A tooth extraction can be a scary procedure to face, whether it’s a wisdom tooth, a premolar, or an incisor. Of course, knowing what to expect can make it a little easier to deal with, especially if you’re concerned about the risk of complications. Here, we’ll look at how long it will take to recover from an extraction in Rockville, MD and when it’s time to talk to your dentist about a problem tooth.

Recovery from a Tooth Extraction

Recovery from a tooth extraction is usually anywhere from 2 to 3 days, which can be a relief to anyone with a strenuous job or lively social calendar. While it will take the jawbone up to a few weeks to heal, the pain can usually be managed with nothing more than over-the-counter treatments, like acetaminophen and numbing gels.

What Happens During an Extraction?

A properly performed procedure will cleanly extract the tooth, leaving behind a socket. Generally, a blood clot will form in the space left behind, which may bleed or swell in the initial days after the procedure. A dentist in Rockville, MD might use a special dressing if you accidentally dislodge the clot or it fails to form on its own.

Are There Risks with a Tooth Extraction?

Every service comes with its own set of risks, so it’s important to both know what they are and to understand the general odds that they’ll occur. With a tooth extraction, the biggest risk is an infection, which can cause anything from a fever to complications like a larger bone infection. It’s worth noting that these serious risks are extremely rare and can be tempered by visiting a reputable dentist in your area.

Dentists in Rockville

Whether you have an impacted tooth that needs to come out or you’re on the fence about a tooth that’s crowding a space in your mouth, talking to a dentist about your concerns can go a long way to finally giving you a concrete action plan. At Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can give you the space and support you need to face an extraction, whether you need it for one or several teeth.