YOGYAKARTA - Many people are worried about how long the recovery period of the gums after the procedure will last. In fact, it takes the right treatment steps so that the wound after tooth extraction heals quickly and is free from the risk of infection and dental problems.

The optimal healing process depends heavily on how you keep your mouth clean. This article will review medical secrets and simple tips that can be done independently at home starting today.

How Long Does the Recovery Process Last?

Reported by VOI from the Texas Oral Surgery Specialists website, the length of recovery after tooth extraction depends heavily on the size and condition of the tooth being extracted. In general, most patients will feel normal again in just a few days.

Interestingly, you can usually return to work or school within 1 to 2 days. However, keep in mind that even though the outer gums seem to close in 48 to 72 hours, the jawbone takes several weeks to fully recover.

If your job involves heavy physical activity or weight lifting, it is recommended that you take a longer break. In addition, for those of you who plan to have dental implants, it usually takes a few months to wait for the old tooth hole to be solid and strong.

Understanding the Tooth Cavity Healing Process

Unfortunately, the hole from the tooth does not close from the side, but heals from the bottom up. Here are the stages you will go through:

Bleeding & Clot: Immediately after the tooth is pulled, bleeding will occur and blood clots will form to protect the jawbone as well as the nerves. Tissue Integration: The blood clot begins to fuse with the surrounding tissue. At this stage, the wound area may appear whitish, which is normal and not a sign of infection. Filling New Tissue: The tooth hole begins to be filled with new granulation tissue. You may still see a slight hollow at this stage. Perfect Closure: The gums recover completely, the color of the tissue looks healthy, and the hollow closes flat.

Also read the article discussing Side Effects of Wearing Dental Aligners, Is It Safe?

Main Tips to Make the Wound from Pulling Out Teeth Heal Quickly

Then to ensure that the above steps run smoothly, you should take the following steps:

Prioritize Total Rest: Rest with your head higher for the first 72 hours to prevent rebleeding. Choose Soft Foods: Consume soups, smoothies, or mashed potatoes for 1-2 weeks. Avoid hard foods that can damage the stitches. Avoid Suction Pressure: Don't use a straw and don't smoke. Suction pressure can trigger dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot comes off before the wound heals. Ice Compress & Pain Reliever: Use a cold compress on the cheek for 15 minutes to reduce swelling, and take ibuprofen according to the dose to relieve inflammation. Keep Your Mouth Clean: Keep brushing your teeth twice a day very gently. Avoid brushing directly on the wound area, but make sure that the rest of the food around it is cleaned so as not to invite bacteria.

Following post-operative care instructions is the best way to make a tooth extraction wound heal naturally. If you have a fever or severe pain that does not go away, immediately contact your dentist.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)

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