If you’re scheduled for a tooth extraction, one of the most common questions is:
“How long will it take to recover?”
At Morita Orthodontics, we help patients understand what to expect before, during, and after a tooth extraction so they can heal comfortably and avoid complications.
This guide explains the typical recovery timeline and what you can do to speed up healing.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of extraction and your overall health, but here’s a general breakdown:
You should rest, avoid physical activity, and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
Most patients can return to light daily activities during this phase.
The bone and underlying tissue continue to heal beneath the surface. You may feel normal long before full internal healing is complete.
Your healing speed depends on:
To promote faster recovery:
Gently rinse with salt water after 24 hours
These actions can delay healing or cause complications:
Contact Morita Orthodontics if you experience:
These may indicate dry socket or infection.
Most patients return within:
Physically demanding jobs may require more rest.
Most tooth extractions heal comfortably within 7–14 days, with full internal healing taking a few weeks. Following proper aftercare makes a huge difference in how fast and smoothly you recover.
If you have questions about tooth extractions, recovery, or orthodontic care, Morita Orthodontics is here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, you can fill out our online appointment request form or give us a call at our Honolulu office at (808) 941-3355 or our Aiea office at (808) 486-5505. We can’t wait to hear from you!
RE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
To our valued patients,
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), President Trump, the American Dental Association and the Hawaii Dental Association are recommending all dentists postpone nonemergency dental procedures for 2 weeks. Our practice is committed to protecting the community and avoiding using valuable resources that our first responders and frontline healthcare providers will need.
Our office will be closed effective today, Wednesday, March 18, and we plan to resume regular hours on Wednesday, April 1. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency including swelling or severe tooth pain, please call your general dentist office, and listen closely as emergency contact info will be available. For all nonemergent questions, please email us at [email protected].
We are so sorry for the burden this places on your schedules, but your continued health and safety are our number one priority. Our office is working diligently to reschedule all patients with existing appointments within the next 2 weeks. We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine on a weekly basis when it is appropriate for us to return to normal orthodontic patient care. We ask for your compassion and understanding at this time as we all work together to keep Hawaii healthy.
Sincerely,
Your Morita Orthodontics Ohana
