Wisdom Tooth Healing Time and Complications

The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction?

Hello Doctor, I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on February 18 and had my stitches removed on February 25.
However, I noticed that some of the sutures had come loose.
At that time, the doctor told me that I could wait for the wound to heal on its own.
However, as of early March, the wound is still about 1 cm deep and 3-4 mm wide.
After eating, food particles easily get trapped in the wound, and sometimes food comes out after rinsing.
Even after using a cotton swab to clean it, there are still remnants.
Additionally, I occasionally feel mild pain and discomfort on the lower right side.
Therefore, I would like to ask if this wound needs to be sutured again? Is there a risk of infection? How long does it typically take for the wound to heal? Thank you very much for your response.

b11880041, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/04

Dr. Lai Yishao reply Dentistry

Generally, the extraction of wisdom teeth results in a larger wound, which is often sutured and requires removal of stitches one week later.
During the healing process, the epithelium will regenerate first, while bone healing will continue.
Although the extraction site may still appear sunken, as long as the patient rinses their mouth after eating to prevent debris accumulation and infection, additional suturing is usually not necessary.

Reply Date: 2005/03/04

More Info

When it comes to the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction, several factors can influence the duration and quality of recovery. Based on your description, it seems that you had your lower right wisdom tooth extracted on February 18, and you had your stitches removed on February 25. However, you are now experiencing some concerns regarding the healing of the extraction site, including the presence of a 1 cm deep wound that is approximately 3-4 mm wide, as well as discomfort and the accumulation of food debris.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the healing time for a wisdom tooth extraction can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, the initial healing phase can take anywhere from one to two weeks, during which the gum tissue begins to close over the extraction site. However, complete healing, including the underlying bone, can take several weeks to months. In your case, since you are still experiencing a noticeable wound and discomfort, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely.

The fact that you have a wound that is still open and collecting food debris is concerning. This can lead to complications such as infection or delayed healing. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the extraction site. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Regarding whether the wound needs to be re-stitched, this decision should be made by a dental professional. If the wound is not healing properly and remains open, your dentist may recommend re-evaluating the site. In some cases, if the wound is clean and there are no signs of infection, it may be allowed to heal on its own. However, if there is a significant gap or if the tissue is not approximating well, suturing may be necessary to promote proper healing.

As for the healing time, if the extraction site is clean and there are no complications, you can expect the gum tissue to heal within a few weeks. However, if there are issues such as infection or if the wound remains open, the healing process could take longer. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene during this period to prevent food from getting trapped in the wound. Rinsing gently with warm salt water can help keep the area clean, but be cautious not to disturb the healing tissue.

In summary, it is advisable to consult with your dentist regarding your current situation. They can assess the wound, determine if re-stitching is necessary, and provide guidance on how to care for the extraction site to promote healing. Remember that timely intervention can prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery process.

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