Victory Smiles

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are common, but recovery time can vary. Of course, before getting a tooth removed it’s important to know how long healing takes and what you can do to ensure proper healing. Below, our team at Victory Smiles outlines tooth removal recovery time and key tips.

Healing Timeline

Total healing for tooth removal is often quick and simple, but there are some key steps to understand. Here’s the common healing timeline after tooth removal in Houston:

Day 1: Bleeding should stop within a few hours. Swelling may begin. Rest is crucial to ensure proper healing and avoid disruptions.
Days 2–3: Swelling peaks and pain may still be present. Stick to soft foods and use ice packs on the outside of your mouth as needed.
Days 4–7: The socket begins to close. Normal activities can resume.
Weeks 2–4: Full tissue healing occurs, and stitches (if any) dissolve or are removed.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

You can take some simple steps to ensure a smooth recovery including:

Get Plenty of Rest – Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for at least 48 hours. Keep your heart rate down to avoid disrupting the clotting process.
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water (without using a straw!). Straws or sucking may lead to dry sockets. Proper hydration helps the body heal.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods – Foods like eggs, bananas, and smoothies help support healing.

Exercise caution near the site– You can begin brushing your teeth the same day as your appointment, but avoid the extraction area for the first day. In future days, be gentle with brushing to not disrupt the site.

If pain worsens after a few days, it could be a dry socket—contact your dentist for treatment.

Quality Tooth Removal in Houston

At Victory Smiles, we only resort to tooth extraction if it will be best for your long-term dental health. If you have concerns about a tooth or know you need an extraction, count on us for an efficient, pain-free procedure. Our dentist in Houston will provide ample details for aftercare to help you enjoy a quick recovery. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.