At Smiles by Shields, we take a holistic approach to dental care. Proper dental health is a core component of your overall well-being, and as a cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville, we help you through every step in the care process. Sometimes, a tooth has to be extracted due to injury or health concerns. Part of proper care after a tooth extraction is understanding the healing process.

Keeping the steps below in mind can reduce any chance of complications or setbacks during tooth extraction recovery.

Understanding The Healing Process in Tooth Extraction Recovery

As a cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville, FL, a common issue with tooth extractions is what to do after. Knowing what you should and, importantly, should not do is essential not just in recovery but also in reducing overall stress.

Recovery from extraction can be broken down into a timetable, and the list below will give you a better idea of how to handle your recovery.

• The First Day: During the first 24 hours post tooth extraction, you will encounter symptoms such as pain and swelling as the healing process starts. Pain relievers can help during this stage, and you should take any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics. You should only eat soft foods, avoid hot liquids, avoid smoking, drinking, and vaping, no taxing activities, and take care of swelling through head elevation and ice packs. Taking the day off is advised.
• Days Two and Three: At this stage in your recovery, you may still have some swelling and pain, but symptoms should be lessening. To ensure proper healing, you should continue focusing on recovery, such as rest, head elevation, and gauze changing. Eat soft foods, avoid straws, and avoid blowing your nose as your mouth is still sensitive. It is safe to start brushing and flossing, but avoid the extraction area. Also, you should continue to take any prescribed medications.   
• One to Two Weeks: After a period of one to two weeks, your tooth extraction site should be healed for the most part. This timeframe can vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of tooth extracted. The tooth socket will have reduced size and show signs of healing, such as granulation tissue filling the space where the tooth was. At this point, you can resume your normal daily activities with some caution. Be gentle when brushing or flossing to avoid damage or pain to the extraction area. However, you don’t have to be as cautious as you are further along in your healing process and can do everyday things such as resuming your regular diet.  
• Weeks Three and Four: By this point, the socket where your tooth was should be closed up or in the process of doing so. If the socket is not fully closed, this can take a few more weeks, as each person’s recovery differs depending on various factors. Notably, the jawbone will continue to heal for the next four months as the bone regrows and recovers from the procedure. At this point, your daily life should be back to normal regarding habits and daily activities. You may still notice the occasional odd sensation or slight tenderness when eating hard foods, but nothing that causes concern. Take care of your teeth and oral health, and get regular checkups.

During your recovery, look for anything unusual, such as worsening pain, bleeding, fever, drainage, or a dry socket. If you encounter any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for treatment to ensure proper healing.

When You Need a Dentist for Extraction in Jacksonville, Florida

At Smiles by Shields, we want to be your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. We approach your dental health as part of a greater whole and understand that proper oral wellness can have a positive impact on your health. When you need a complete dental care process that keeps your needs at the forefront, Dr. Tiffany Shields in Jacksonville, Florida, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about our services and care.