How Long Does It Take for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Holes to Heal?

The healing time for the extraction site of a molar can vary, but typically it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial healing to occur. Complete healing of the bone and soft tissue may take several months. It's important to follow post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing?

Hello, I had my wisdom teeth removed a month ago, and the socket from the extraction is still present.
I have been diligent about rinsing my mouth after meals to ensure there are no food particles left in the socket (or using a toothpick to remove any debris), but it still hasn't shown any signs of healing after all this time.
Should I return to see my original dentist, or should I wait a few more months? Or is there another solution?

Xiao You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/25

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry

Dear online friend, based on your description, it has been a month since you had your wisdom tooth extracted, and you feel that the extraction site has not yet healed.
The healing of the extraction site and the restoration to its original state can vary depending on the position of the tooth, the surgical procedure, and individual health conditions.
If you have any concerns about your wound, it is advisable to consult your dentist for a check-up.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2015/07/25

More Info

After a wisdom tooth extraction, the healing process can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, the initial healing of the extraction site occurs within the first week, where the soft tissue begins to close over the hole left by the tooth. However, complete healing, including the filling in of the bone and soft tissue, can take several weeks to months, depending on various factors.

In your case, since it has been a month since your extraction and you still notice a significant hole, it is essential to consider a few factors that could affect the healing process. First, the complexity of the extraction plays a crucial role. If the wisdom tooth was impacted or if there was significant bone removal during the procedure, healing might take longer. Additionally, individual factors such as age, overall health, and oral hygiene practices can influence recovery time.

It's also important to note that while you are diligent about rinsing and keeping the area clean, overzealous cleaning can sometimes irritate the site and delay healing. Gentle care is advised, as excessive manipulation of the area can disrupt the healing tissue.

If the hole remains prominent after a month, it may be a sign of a few potential issues:
1. Dry Socket: This condition occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone. Symptoms include severe pain and a foul odor. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your dentist.

2. Infection: If there is an infection at the site, it can prevent proper healing. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the extraction site.

3. Bone Healing: Sometimes, the bone may take longer to fill in the extraction site, especially if the tooth was deeply rooted or if there was significant bone loss.

Given your situation, it is advisable to return to your dentist for a follow-up appointment. They can assess the healing process and determine if there are any complications that need to be addressed. They may take X-rays to evaluate the bone healing and check for any signs of infection or other issues.

In the meantime, continue to maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the extraction site. Avoid using straws, smoking, or consuming hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the area.
In summary, while some variation in healing time is normal, a persistent hole after a month warrants a professional evaluation. Your dentist can provide the best guidance on whether further treatment is necessary or if you should continue to monitor the situation.

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