Everything you need to know about your tooth extraction and recovery

It’s completely understandable to feel worried about having a tooth – or teeth – removed, but the good news is that if you prepare well and look after yourself in the days following the extraction, most people recover without any dramas at all.

The first 24 hours are especially ​​important as a ​​blood clot needs to form in the empty socket to support recovery and healing. It’s normal to feel some discomfort as your mouth starts to heal, but for most people recovery ​​should take no more than two weeks.

Whether you’re bracing yourself for the procedure or already on the road to recovery, this guide covers how to prepare for a tooth extraction, the healing process, how to manage pain and bleeding, plus the warning signs that you should pick up the phone to ​​your dentist or ​​oral surgeon.

What is a tooth extraction?

Tooth extractions are a very common dental procedure and are essentially ​​the removal of a tooth from its socket in your jawbone.

“Each tooth has a crown, which you can see on the top, as well as roots underneath that keep the tooth stable,” says Dr Monica Farrelly, a general dental practitioner who is experienced in orthodontics, cosmetic restorative dentistry and paediatric care. “When we extract a tooth, we're removing the tooth in its entirety.”

Is tooth extraction the same as wisdom teeth removal?

​​​Wisdom tooth removal is a certain type of tooth extraction, says Dr Farrelly. Wisdom teeth commonly come through in our late teens or mid-twenties, but not everyone has them, and some wisdom teeth only partially come through or get stuck against other teeth or the jawbone.

“Some people’s wisdom teeth may not push through the gum,” she explains. “Depending on their position, and whether they cause pain, infection or decay, a dentist may decide to remove them.”

READ MORE: Wisdom teeth explained

Why have a tooth extracted?

You might need a tooth removed if you have:
 

• ​​​Overcrowding of teeth
• A deep infection
• Severe gum disease
• Damaged teeth
• Tooth decay
• A wisdom tooth has impacted or has grown at an angle and hits another tooth of the gum.

In some cases, extraction may be the only treatment option available however in other cases, alternative treatment options may be available. Your dentist should discuss any alternative treatment options with you prior to any extraction.

How to prepare for a tooth extraction

Your dentist, oral surgeon or hospital will give you clear instructions on how to get ready for your tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal procedure but it can also help to think ahead about a few practical things before the day.

Organise to be picked up afterwards

Depending on the type of procedure you’re having, it may help to arrange for a family member, carer or friend to take you to and from the hospital or clinic. If the patient is under 18, a legal guardian will need to be present for the full procedure.

“Your dentist will brief you about how complex they anticipate surgery to be,” says Dr Farrelly. "​​You may have some sedation and won't be able to drive that day so you’ll need to organise someone to pick you up.”

Talk about your medical history

​​​Some medications can affect the healing process of a tooth extraction so it’s important you share your full medical history with your dentist.

“There’s a lot of medications that can affect the healing process of a tooth extraction,” says Dr Farrelly. “Most importantly, we would flag any individual who takes any medication that alters their bleeding risk.” ​​

These include prescription, over the counter, supplements and herbal medications.

Plan to take it easy afterwards

“You will be in a bit of discomfort after surgery, so make sure you eat a nutritious meal beforehand, because you may not be able to eat as comfortably afterwards,” says Dr Farrelly.

If you need to take some time off work or study after the extraction, plan it ahead of time.

Ask questions

“Have a conversation with your dentist before the procedure, because they’ll tell you what to expect,” says Dr Farrelly. “There's a few things that your dentist may brief you about and you might have to make a few alterations [to your routine] afterwards,” she says. “Having that conversation beforehand is really crucial.”

6 questions to ask your dentist before having a tooth extraction
 

1. ​​​What happens if don’t have the tooth extraction? Any dental extraction should be preceded by a discussion with your dentist about any possible alternatives.
2. What will happen if I choose not to extract the tooth?
3. What should I expect after the procedure?
4. Will I be in pain afterwards?
5. How much will the procedure cost? 
6. What are the risks of the procedure? Every extraction has risks, so it’s important to be aware of what they might be.
   

What happens during a tooth extraction

​​​A tooth extraction can be done under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain, at your dentist’s clinic, or more complex cases may be carried out under general anaesthetic in hospital. Conscious sedation can also be used during a procedure to help you feel relaxed and drowsy, but allow you to respond to verbal instructions.

​​​If it’s a straightforward extraction, your dentist will usually numb the gum surrounding the tooth with a local anaesthetic. They will then gently loosen the tooth using dental instruments before removing it.

If the tooth is broken, impacted or difficult to reach the procedure may need to be done in hospital under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout.

What happens after a tooth extraction?

​​​After the tooth has been removed, your dentist will check the socket is clean and may use a stitch if needed. It’s normal to have some bleeding at first,​​ and you’ll usually be asked to bite on gauze to help it stop.

Once the anaesthetic wears off after a couple of hours, you may notice some pain, swelling and discomfort. ​​Your dentist might recommend pain relief, and advise you which ones to take.

For the first 24 hours after your extraction, you’re likely to feel uncomfortable, and it’s important you don’t rinse your mouth during this time, in case you disturb the blood clot from the socket.

There is likely to be some swelling, and you’ll need to limit your activities for at least the first 24 hours following the ​​surgery. ​​That includes not smoking or drinking alcohol, using a straw (as it can disturb the blood clot) or doing physical exercise.

The good news is that as soon as ​​your anaesthetic has worn off, most patients are able to eat soft foods, that aren’t too hot or too cold, on the other side of their mouth to the wound.

READ MORE: What to eat after a tooth extraction

The day after the extraction

Don’t worry, it’s normal for there to be a small amount of ​​blood for the first 24 hours.

After that you can help the healing process by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, holding it in your mouth for a few seconds and then gently spitting it out.

If the bleeding is heavy or persistent, consult your dentist.

How long does it take for a tooth extraction to heal?

Usually the wound​ ​takes around two weeks to heal but this can vary, says Dr Farrelly.

“It’s dependent on the person,” she says. “It really depends on their profile and how healthy they are to start off with. We always expect that an older person will probably have a little more delayed healing, and it also depends on the medications they're taking.”

What are possible complications from a tooth extraction?

Dry socket

Dry socket is an often ​​painful post-procedural complication of tooth extraction and it affects about ​​one in 20 people.¹⁴ It’s also known as alveolar osteitis.

“It’s where the area of bone [in the jaw] becomes exposed, because you lose the blood clot,” says Dr Farrelly. “If you lose that blood clot in the first 48 hours, that's when it's quite uncomfortable, and sometimes people have to return back for redressing of the area and trying to help the area heal.”

Pain

​​​Pain is common after a tooth extraction but it’s usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Recovery pain usually starts to settle within three to seven days, but if it becomes worse instead of better, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist.

Bleeding

​​​A small amount of bleeding is expected after tooth extraction, but it should gradually improve. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t settle, seek urgent advice from your dentist or a medical professional.

Infection

​​Signs of an infection in your mouth can include bad breath, a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth, fever, pain, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums, swollen glands in the neck, swelling in the jaw, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. If you develop any of these after a tooth extraction, contact your dentist.

Does private health insurance pay towards tooth extractions?

Private health insurance may pay towards the cost of tooth extractions, depending on the type of procedure required and the cover you have.

Extras cover

Most extras cover can pay towards non-surgical extractions at your regular dentist’s as part of general dental cover. It can also pay towards the cost of the dental surgeon for surgical tooth extractions, whether they are performed under a local (in-the-chair) or general anaesthetic (in hospital). However, extras cover won’t pay towards the costs of your hospital accommodation or anaesthetists fees.

Annual limits and waiting periods apply, and keep in mind there is a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and surgical dental procedures.

Hospital cover

Hospital cover can pay towards hospital costs for tooth removal, including accommodation and anaesthetist’s fees. It will not pay towards the cost of the oral surgeon, which is generally included under extras cover.

There may still be out-of-pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.