Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. Understanding the typical appearance of your mouth during healing can help alleviate concerns. The body follows a predictable recovery pattern. Knowing these visual milestones guides expectations as your mouth returns to normal.
The Initial Days
Immediately following wisdom teeth removal, visual changes in and around your mouth are noticeable. Swelling is a common response, appearing on the face, especially around the cheeks and jawline, and can peak around the second or third day after surgery. This puffiness may give the face a fuller or rounder appearance, sometimes described as a “chipmunk face.” Bruising can also emerge on the face or neck, presenting as discolored areas on the cheeks and jawline, which fade over several days to a couple of weeks.
Minor bleeding or oozing from the extraction sites is expected during the first 24 to 48 hours. This often appears as light bleeding or saliva mixed with blood, resulting in a pinkish tint. The formation of a dark red or purple, jelly-like blood clot within each tooth socket is important for initial healing. This clot acts as a protective barrier for the exposed bone and nerves. Stitches, or sutures, may also be visible as tiny dark threads along the gumline, used to close the surgical site and promote healing.
Normal Healing Progression
As days pass, the mouth begins normal healing, and its visual characteristics evolve. Swelling and bruising gradually subside, with significant reduction often seen by day four to seven. The facial contours begin to return to their pre-surgery appearance as the puffiness diminishes. The gums around the extraction site will also start to regain their natural color and contour, moving from any initial redness or pallor towards a healthy pink.
Within the extraction sockets, the blood clot transforms, and a new, soft tissue called granulation tissue starts to form, appearing a few days after the procedure. This granulation tissue may look reddish, whitish, pale pink, or creamy white, and it often has a bumpy or granular texture. Its presence indicates proper healing as the body rebuilds tissue, even if it can sometimes be mistaken for food debris or pus. This tissue provides a framework for new gum and bone to grow, gradually filling the empty socket. While the gum tissue may fully close over the extraction sites within three to four weeks, complete healing of the underlying bone can take several months.
Visual Indicators of Complications
While a smooth recovery is common, certain visual signs can indicate complications that require attention. A dry socket, for instance, occurs when the protective blood clot in the extraction site dislodges or dissolves prematurely. Visually, the socket appears empty, with the underlying bone potentially exposed, and it may look greyish or whitish inside.
Signs of infection include increased redness around the surgical site that persists or spreads, and swelling that worsens or does not subside after the initial few days. Another sign of infection is pus discharge from the wound, which can appear yellowish or greenish. The affected area might also feel warm to the touch. Excessive bleeding deviates from the normal light oozing; it involves a constant flow, quickly soaking gauze, or the appearance of large, bright red clots. If sutures were placed, problems may arise if they come out too early, before the wound has adequately closed, or if the areas around them appear inflamed.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Recognizing when to seek professional advice based on visual cues is an important part of post-operative care. You should contact your dentist if you notice the absence of a blood clot in the socket, especially if exposed bone is visible, which can be a sign of dry socket. Spreading redness around the extraction site or persistent swelling that increases rather than decreases after the first few days also warrants a call.
The discharge of pus, appearing as yellowish or greenish fluid from the surgical site, indicates a potential infection that needs immediate evaluation. If you experience heavy bleeding that continues for more than 24 hours, requires frequent gauze changes, or involves large, bright red clots, contact your dental professional. Any visual aspect of your healing that causes concern or deviates significantly from the expected progression should prompt a discussion with your dentist to ensure proper management.