When you have a tooth removed, your body immediately begins the process of repairing the area. Healing is natural, but the way we care for the socket can make a big difference to how quickly you recover, how comfortable the process is, and how much bone is preserved for future dental options.
At Mentone Family Dentist, we use the Fotona® dual-wavelength laser system to support faster healing, reduce complications, and help you keep more bone for future treatments like implants or bridges.
Normal Healing After Tooth Extraction 
Healing after an extraction occurs in four stages:
- Hemostasis (First 24 hours): A blood clot forms to protect the bone and nerve endings. If it’s lost too early, it can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.
- Inflammation (Days 1–3): Swelling, tenderness, and redness occur as your body begins repair.
- Proliferation (Weeks 1–4): Gum tissue closes over the socket and early bone starts to form.
- Maturation (From Week 4): Bone fills the socket over 3–4 months, but the ridge naturally shrinks. This bone loss can make future implants more complex if not planned for early.
How Healing Looks With Fotona® Laser
Using the laser immediately after extraction changes the healing process at every stage:
- Day 0 – Disinfection and Clot Stability
The Er:YAG laser gently removes infected tissue and disinfects the socket without chemicals, while the Nd:YAG laser stimulates blood flow and stabilises the clot. This creates a stronger foundation for healing. - Days 1–3 – Less Pain and Swelling
Laser energy reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of infection, and helps many patients manage with fewer pain medications. - Weeks 1–4 – Faster Bone Formation
Photobiomodulation encourages bone-forming cells to work more actively, speeding up bone regeneration. - From Week 4 – More Bone Preserved
Research shows less shrinkage in bone width and height with laser-assisted healing, giving patients a stronger base for implants, bridges, or other restorative work.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) may sound complex, but the concept is simple. Specific light wavelengths energise your cells by stimulating their “batteries” (mitochondria). This helps speed up tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and ease pain—all without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Think of it as giving your body’s healing cells an extra push when they need it most.
Why We Use Lasers After Extractions
- Cleaner socket – bacteria reduced without harsh chemicals
- More stable clot – lowers the chance of dry socket
- Less swelling and pain – a more comfortable recovery
- Better bone preservation – important for future implants or bridges
- Faster recovery – so you can eat, smile, and talk with confidence sooner
Key Takeaway
Natural healing will always occur after an extraction, but laser-assisted healing can mean faster recovery, less discomfort, and more bone preserved for the future. At Mentone Family Dentist, we combine advanced laser technology with gentle, personalised care to give you the healthiest start after a tooth removal.
If you’re planning an extraction, ask about our Fotona® laser-assisted healing. It could make all the difference to your comfort and long-term oral health. Book a complimentary consultation with our team to learn more!