Dental answers, made clearer
Learn when a tooth may need extraction, what the procedure involves and how to support comfortable, uncomplicated healing afterward.
Most people feel back to normal within a few days, though the socket itself takes about one to two weeks to close over, and complete bone healing underneath can take several months. Simple extractions generally heal faster than surgical ones, such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Read the answerMild discomfort that steadily improves over the first few days is normal, but pain that suddenly worsens two to four days after extraction, especially with a bad taste or visible empty socket, is a common sign of dry socket and should be checked promptly.
Read the answerThe extraction itself is done under local anesthesia and shouldn't be painful, though some pressure may be felt during the procedure. Soreness and swelling afterward are normal and typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief for a few days.
Read the answerSoft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup are recommended for the first day or two, while hot, crunchy, spicy, or chewy foods should be avoided since they can irritate the extraction site or dislodge the healing blood clot. Drinking through a straw is also discouraged, as the suction can cause the same problem.
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