The gum usually closes within one to two weeks, while the bone underneath continues to fill in over several weeks to a few months.

The biggest clue is intense, throbbing pain two to four days after removal that may radiate toward your ear, often with a bad taste or smell. If that sounds like you, give us a call—it's easily treated.

Wait at least the first 24 hours, and keep it lukewarm rather than hot at first, since heat can affect the healing clot. And as with everything early on, no straws.

Yes—plain, soft ice cream can feel soothing in the first couple of days. Just eat it with a spoon (no straw) and skip any nuts, candy pieces, or hard mix-ins.

Most people are back to near-normal eating within about a week, then fully as the socket finishes healing over the following weeks. Let your comfort be your guide and follow your dentist's advice.