Having “holes” or empty spaces after wisdom teeth extraction is a normal part of the healing process. These spaces are where your wisdom teeth once resided, and your body naturally works to fill them in over time.
What Are These Holes?
The “holes” you observe after a wisdom tooth extraction are known as tooth sockets. These are the natural cavities within your jawbone where the roots of your teeth were firmly held. When a tooth is removed, this space becomes empty, exposing the underlying bone and nerve endings.
The walls of the socket are formed by alveolar bone, which is a specialized part of the jawbone supporting the teeth. Blood vessels are present in this area, important for the subsequent healing process. These sockets are designed to gradually fill in with new tissue and bone as your body recovers.
The Healing Journey After Extraction
The healing of a wisdom tooth extraction site begins immediately after the procedure. Within the first 24 hours, a crucial blood clot forms in the socket. This clot acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding the underlying bone and nerves while initiating the repair process. It also contains cells necessary for proper healing.
Following the formation of the blood clot, your body starts to build granulation tissue, typically within 24 to 48 hours. This delicate, creamy white tissue is composed of blood vessels, collagen, and white blood cells, and it gradually replaces the blood clot. Granulation tissue plays a vital role by protecting the wound, preventing infection, and laying the groundwork for new gum and bone formation.
Caring for Your Extraction Sites
Proper care of your extraction sites is important for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications. For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or spitting, as this can dislodge the protective blood clot. After this initial period, gentle rinsing with warm salt water can begin, typically two to three times a day for about a week. A common mixture is half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water, which helps to keep the area clean and reduce bacteria.
Maintaining a soft food diet for the first three to five days is advisable to prevent irritation and allow healing. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies are often recommended. Avoid using straws, as the suction created can dislodge the blood clot and lead to complications. If food particles become lodged in the socket, gentle rinsing or using a dental syringe provided by your dentist can help dislodge them without disturbing the healing site.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and swelling are expected after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms indicate a need to contact your dentist. One significant concern is dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to form or becomes dislodged prematurely. Symptoms of dry socket often include severe pain that begins one to three days after the extraction and may radiate to your ear, eye, temple, or neck. You might also notice a foul odor or bad taste in your mouth, and the socket may appear empty with visible bone.
Signs of infection also require prompt dental attention. These can include persistent or worsening swelling after three to four days, increasing pain that does not improve with medication, redness, fever, or the presence of pus at the surgical site. If you experience excessive bleeding that does not subside with pressure or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek professional evaluation immediately. Your dentist can provide specific treatment and guidance to manage these issues.