General
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tooth extraction take?
The length of time depends on the number of wisdom teeth you’ll need to be removed. Not everyone needs all four of their wisdom teeth extracted, but if you do it usually takes about an hour and a half.
What do I do after a tooth extraction?
The most important thing for you to do after your extraction is to rest. Putting a strain on yourself could affect your recovery and your ability to care for your oral health properly. Give yourself time to recover and follow your dentist’s care instructions.
How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?
For the first 24 to 48 hours, we recommend sticking to soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Then, you can begin to introduce more solid foods into your diet — start with oatmeal or eggs. When you don’t feel any more pain while chewing, you can try other foods.
How long after a tooth extraction can I smoke?
It’s best to hold off on smoking for as long as possible due to an increased risk for developing dry socket associated with smoking after an extraction. After 72 hours, the risk of dry socket decreases.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
It can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. After your pain and swelling have reduced, you can resume your daily activities.
What do I do if the site of my extraction is infected?
If your extraction site is infected, call our office at 616-942-9595 for help. We can offer advice and your dentist can prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
The actual extraction won’t be painful because your dentist will administer an anesthetic. After the procedure, some pain and discomfort are normal — if you’re experiencing pain you believe is abnormal, contact us for help.
Should I feel pain in the days after my tooth extraction?
You’ll likely feel some pain in your jaw for a couple of days — we’ll give you pain medications to help alleviate the discomfort. If your pain is severe, contact us so we can evaluate your case and provide help.
Can a tooth extraction cause other teeth to hurt?
Many of your teeth are connected by the same nerves, so you may feel pain in the teeth around your extraction site.