What Does a Healthy Tooth Socket Look Like After Extraction?
When you have cavities or tooth decay, the dentist will recommend noninvasive treatments like tooth filling and root canal. However, when the decay has spread to the roots, a dental extraction is done to remove the damaged tooth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth become impacted because they are not fully developed and do not have enough space to erupt through the gums into your mouth. This can cause excruciating pain, and it is often recommended that wisdom tooth extraction be done to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
- Overcrowding
Tooth overcrowding is when the teeth are not in a healthy position. It usually happens when the teeth are too long, short, or wide. Teeth overcrowding can lead to many problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders. Teeth overcrowding is also more likely to happen if you have an orthodontic problem like a crooked smile. The dentist will remove the excess teeth to make room for the teeth alignment procedure.
Tooth extraction is either surgical or non-surgical, depending on the teeth’ location and visibility. A simple extraction is straightforward, and it involves pulling the teeth using forceps. A surgical extraction is reserved for the impacted teeth and can take time to recover.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
After the extraction procedure, you will experience pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Additionally, you will have a blood clot that forms in the socket 24 hours after the tooth extraction.
A healthy socket has a dark-colored scab because of the blood clot. The blood clot forms granulation tissue (contains collagen, white blood cells, and blood tissue) that helps fight infections. The granulation tissues cause the socket to appear white or cream-colored.
If you notice pus forming in the socket or have no blood clot, visit the dentist immediately for assistance.
What is a Dry Socket?
A dry socket occurs when exposed bone and gums after the teeth are removed. It develops when the blood clot fails to develop or when you break and dislodge the clot.
A blood clot contains tissues and cells that facilitate healing and prevent infection. When it breaks, and the underlying bone is exposed, you will experience pain and bad breath.
When Can You stop Worrying About Dry Sockets?
You can stop worrying about having a dry socket seven to ten days after an extraction. That is how long it takes for the gums to heal and close. However, this time frame is influenced by oral health, hygiene, and practices.
What Helps a Tooth Extraction Heal Faster?
You can hasten the gum healing process with the following tips:
- Rest
Resting after a tooth removal procedure is important because the pain from the extraction will be more intense if you try to move around too soon. Furthermore, it helps to reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding in the area of your mouth where the tooth was extracted. Resting also helps with the healing process and prevents further complications.
- Use an ice pack
There are many ways to relieve pain after a tooth extraction, but ice packs are one of the most popular. It is believed that the cold temperature in an ice pack can reduce the swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Stop the bleeding
Gum bleeding after a tooth extraction is common, but it can be stopped using gauze pads. To prevent the bleeding, you should apply pressure on the wound with a gauze pad for five minutes and then put a gauze pad soaked in warm water over it for about 15 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Eat soft foods
Soft foods are recommended after tooth extraction because they help heal the gums and teeth. They can help reduce the risk of infection, swelling, and pain that might occur after surgery. Soft foods include bananas, apples, toast, yogurt, and oatmeal.
- Avoid drinking beverages with a straw.
Drinking using a straw can create pressure on the mouth and break the blood clot.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Precision Dentistry for more information about tooth extraction and how you can avoid dry sockets and other complications.