Surgical tooth extractions—like removing impacted wisdom teeth or broken roots—are more involved than routine pulls. Naturally, recovery takes longer and requires extra attention. At Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City, NY, Dr. Michael Nguyen and Dr. Daniel Barayev help patients recover comfortably and confidently. In this post, we’ll walk through the typical healing timeline, what to expect, and how to avoid common recovery setbacks.
The First Few Days Matter Most
Immediately after surgery, your mouth may still be numb for a few hours. Bleeding and swelling are common, especially in the first 24 hours. Use gauze as directed and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, but it’s typically manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day or two—like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the site.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Healing progresses gradually, and while it varies slightly by person, most follow a general timeline:
First 24 hours: A blood clot forms in the socket, while swelling and bleeding begin to taper off.
Day 2–3: Swelling should start to go down, and discomfort becomes more manageable.
By 1 week: Stitches may be removed if not dissolvable, and the gum tissue begins to close.
2 weeks: Most of the visible healing is complete, and any remaining soreness should be minimal.
3–6 months: The bone beneath the gumline gradually remodels and strengthens during this final phase.
Complete recovery beneath the surface can take months, especially if you’re preparing for a future implant.
Things That Can Slow Recovery
Smoking is a major risk factor for delayed healing. It restricts blood flow and can lead to complications like dry socket. Skipping saltwater rinses, using straws, or disturbing the area with your tongue can dislodge the clot. Chronic conditions like diabetes may also slow healing and require extra care.
Surgical Tooth Extraction at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City
Dr. Michael Nguyen, Dr. Daniel Barayev, and the team at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care stay with you every step of the way. Whether you have concerns about pain, swelling, or questions about your healing timeline, we’re here to help. Call our Long Island City office today to speak with our team or schedule your next visit!
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