Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful time however most people start feeling better within a few days. The gum will typically heal over the hole within one to two weeks and the jaw bone will take several weeks or months to fully heal.

The healing time depends on the type of extraction, condition of the tooth, general health and adherence to aftercare advice. Some people will recover quickly following a simple extraction whereas others may take longer to heal following a surgical extraction.

Knowing what to expect will help to manage any discomfort and ensure that the extraction site is protected. In this guide we will talk you through how long it takes to heal following a tooth extraction, common symptoms, aftercare tips, what to eat and what to look out for.

How Long Does My Tooth Extraction Take To Heal?

Most people will start to feel much better within 2-3 days of having a routine extraction. Pain and swelling will often be at its worst in the first 48-72 hours but will then subside. The gums will generally heal over the hole within 1-2 weeks.

However, it will take several weeks or months for the jaw bone to heal. This is because the jaw bone needs to grow to fill the gap left.

A simple extraction will usually heal quicker than a surgical extraction. This is because a simple extraction will cause less disruption. Wisdom tooth extractions will often take longer to heal.

It is important to note that just because you are feeling comfortable it doesn’t mean the extraction site has fully healed. The deeper tissues will still be healing.

What To Expect During Healing

There are several stages to healing so knowing what to expect can help you understand if you are healing normally.

Within the first 24 hours:

  • A blood clot will form in the gap. This helps to protect the tissues underneath and aid healing.

  • You may experience some bleeding, sensitivity and swelling.

  • Be careful not to disrupt the blood clot.

First 3 days:

  • You may feel some discomfort, stiffness and/or swelling.

  • These symptoms should start to settle.

Day 4-7:

  • Pain and swelling should improve.

  • Chewing and talking should get easier.

  • New tissue will start to form.

Day 7 to14:

  • New gum tissue will continue to grow over the hole.

  • Often the hole will be smaller but you may still notice a slight depression.

After 2 weeks:

  • Your gums may look much better however the deeper tissues will still be healing.

  • If you had a large molar socket it can take several months for the bone to fully heal.

Everyone will heal at a different rate. If you are concerned about how your extraction site is healing, speak to your dentist.

Factors That May Affect Healing Time

There are several factors that can affect how quickly your mouth will heal.

Type of extraction:

Simple extractions often heal quicker as there is less disruption to tissues.

Location of tooth:

Large molars and wisdom teeth can leave larger holes.

Difficulty of extraction:

If the tooth was deeply impacted or broke during extraction it may take longer to heal.

Hygiene:

Cleaning around the extraction site gently will help reduce bacteria and help your gums heal.

Smoking/Vaping:

Smoking and vaping can cause problems with healing and increase the risk of dry socket.

Medical conditions:

Certain medical conditions and medications can impact healing and bleeding. Let your dentist know about your medical history and any medications you take.

Age and general health:

Your general health can impact how quickly you heal. Everyone will heal naturally at different rates.

Aftercare:

Following your dentist’s advice will help to protect the blood clot and reduce the risk of complications.

Aftercare Tips For Your Mouth

Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction will help to protect the blood clot and ensure your gums heal properly. The first few days are particularly important.

You may experience some bleeding in your saliva in the first few days. If bleeding occurs sit up and bite onto a clean piece of gauze or folded cloth provided. Apply firm pressure for the time advised by your dentist. Do not lift the gauze frequently to check the extraction site. If bleeding continues to be heavy contact your dentist.

Tips For The First 24 Hours

  • Bite onto the gauze provided by your dentist for the advised time.

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activity.

  • Do not rinse, spit or touch the socket with your tongue or fingers.

  • Avoid drinking through a straw.

  • Avoid hot food and drinks.

  • Eat soft, cool or warm food.

  • Don’t smoke or vape.

Aftercare Tips Following Surgery

From the next day (unless advised otherwise):

  • Gently brush your teeth. Be careful not to disrupt the extraction site.

  • If advised by your dentist gently rinse with warm salt water after eating.

  • Take pain relief as advised.

  • Attend any follow up appointments.

  • Avoid vigorously rinsing.

Simple tips can help to protect your extraction site.

Foods To Eat And Avoid

Eating the correct foods can help to make your recovery more comfortable. Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing in the first few days. Eat slowly and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Best Foods To Eat:

Add some of the following to your meals:

  • Yogurt and soft cheeses

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Warm soup

  • Soft bananas

  • Oats

  • Well cooked and mashed vegetables

  • Smooth puddings

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid very hot drinks.

Foods To Avoid:

The following foods can cause irritation and get stuck in the socket:

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Chips and hard biscuits

  • Popcorn

  • Hard sweets

  • Sticky foods

  • Tough meats

  • Very spicy foods

  • Very hot foods.

Gradually return to a normal diet once you are able to chew comfortably and your dentist has approved.

Symptoms Of Healing

You may notice changes in your mouth. Most of these changes are a sign that healing is progressing normally.

Common symptoms include:

  • Mild pain that is improving.

  • Slight swelling or bruising in the first few days.

  • Dark red blood clot in the socket.

  • Pale/white layer due to new tissue forming.

  • Reduced bleeding as the wound starts to heal.

  • More comfortable when eating and talking.

The main thing to look for is improvement. Pain, swelling and discomfort should be reducing.

When To Contact Your Dentist

Most extractions will heal well without any major issues however there are some complications that can arise. Knowing what to look for can help you to get the right treatment.

Contact your dentist if you experience:

  • Swelling getting worse after a few days.

  • Feeling unwell or having a temperature.

  • Pus or unusual discharge from the socket.

  • Persistent bad taste/smell and pain getting worse.

  • Persistent bleeding despite applying firm pressure as advised.

  • Severe throbbing pain radiating to your ear or jaw.

Dry socket can occur if the blood clot dislodges or dissolves prematurely. This can cause exposure of the underlying bone and can cause quite a lot of discomfort. Your dentist can clean the area and put a soothing dressing into the socket.

If you experience any difficulties breathing or swallowing or rapid swelling seek urgent medical assistance.

How Long Does It Take To Heal After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extractions often take longer to heal than simple extractions. This is often because the tooth will be buried or angled.

Pain, swelling and jaw stiffness can last up to two weeks however should start to improve. Some people will take longer to recover following a complex surgical extraction.

Follow your surgeons advice regarding cleaning, eating and follow up appointments. Avoid strenuous physical activity in the early stages. If your symptoms are getting worse contact your dental team.

FAQs

1. Can I go back to school/work the next day?

Most people will be able to return within one or two days. If you had a surgical extraction you may need more time to rest.

2. When can I brush my teeth?

You can usually brush your teeth (other than the extraction site) the next day. Be gentle and avoid disrupting the socket. Follow your dentist’s advice.

3. How long will the hole take to heal?

Often the hole will be healed over by the gums within 1-2 weeks. However, if you had a large hole it can take longer to fully heal. The bone underneath will continue to heal.

4. Is it normal to have a white layer in the socket?

Sometimes a pale/white layer can form due to new tissue growing. This does not necessarily mean there is an infection. If your pain, swelling or other symptoms are getting worse ask your dentist to check.

5. When can I eat normally?

As you start to feel comfortable chewing add some harder foods. Avoid hard/crunchy foods until your dentist has approved.

6. When should I contact my dentist?

If you start to feel more pain, swelling, bleeding or a temperature contact your dentist. Getting checked early can help prevent complications.

Conclusion

Most people will feel better within a few days of having their tooth extracted. Most of the time the gums will heal over the hole within 1-2 weeks. However, the jaw bone will take several weeks or months to fully heal.

Protect the blood clot, eat soft foods, keep your mouth clean and follow your dentist’s advice. Avoid smoking/vaping and strenuous activity in the early stages. Most importantly don’t ignore any increasing pain, persistent bleeding or signs of infection. Taking care of your mouth and contacting your dentist can help you to recover comfortably and keep your mouth healthy.