Recovery can last a few days or as long as a week, depending on the complexity or type of tooth extraction in Sunnyvale, CA. For example, a complex wisdom tooth extraction that is surgical instead of straightforward would typically have a longer recovery time than a pre-orthodontic extraction.
Your Sunnyvale dentist will review your case to give you a better idea about the recovery timeline. Following aftercare instructions is also essential to promote faster healing and an easier recovery.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for various reasons, including:
- Before tooth replacement, like a dental bridge
- Before orthodontics like Invisalign®
- Due to deep trauma, decay, or damage
- Due to impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
- Due to general overcrowding
A dental extraction does not mean the end of your smile aesthetics. Pulling a tooth can often set the stage for a new smile!
We urge you to consider tooth replacement if a tooth is lost to trauma or decay. Replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge helps keep your oral health in check.
What to Eat and More: Extraction Aftercare
Your dentist in Sunnyvale will provide custom instructions based on your case, but typically, we recommend the following:
- Don’t eat or drink anything hot until the anesthesia wears off, or you risk an oral burn.
- For a few days following your tooth extraction, don’t eat complex, crunchy, or chewy foods—stick to yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, soup, and the like.
- Don’t drink through a straw or use tobacco for a few days following extraction, as these habits can hamper healing.
- For the first few days, don’t spit after rinsing. It’s best to let water run from the mouth into the basin.
- Don’t skip any prescribed or recommended medications after your extraction.
- Always contact our dental office if you have questions or concerns.
Do You Have Questions for Your Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA?
Call our dental office today to learn more or schedule a consultation with the dentist.
Don’t have insurance? Ask a team member about our annual plan.