Understanding the normal healing process after a tooth extraction is important for recovery. Many individuals are concerned about what the extraction site should look like as it heals, particularly a few days after the procedure. Knowing the typical signs of healthy healing can help alleviate anxiety.
Normal Healing on Day 5
By day five, the healing process should be well underway. The blood clot, crucial for healing, should be firmly in place, appearing dark red or black like a scab. This clot protects the underlying bone and nerves. A whitish or yellowish film, typically granulation tissue, indicates new tissue forming to fill the socket.
Pain levels on day five should be significantly reduced and manageable, often requiring only over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling should have decreased considerably or be entirely gone. The gum tissue around the socket may appear slightly red, but it should not be excessively inflamed, and it might begin to show signs of closing. Active bleeding should no longer be present.
A slight metallic taste or mild odor from the healing site is common and part of the natural process. Small white or yellowish bits can be food debris or healthy granulation tissue. However, these should not be accompanied by a foul smell or increasing pain, which could indicate a problem. Dissolvable stitches, if used, may also begin to disappear.
When to Seek Dental Advice
While some discomfort is expected after a tooth extraction, certain signs indicate a potential complication requiring immediate dental consultation. Severe, throbbing pain that worsens by day five, especially if it radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck, can be a symptom of a dry socket. This occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges or fails to form, exposing the bone and nerves. Visible exposed bone where the blood clot should be is a clear sign.
Other concerning indicators include a foul odor or taste, particularly if accompanied by pus or significant swelling. Pus, typically yellow or greenish discharge, is a definitive sign of infection. Increased or spreading swelling, redness, or warmth around the surgical area also suggests an infection. Persistent or excessive bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or reoccurring bleeding, should prompt a call to your dentist. Fever or chills also indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.
Ongoing Care and Recovery
Proper ongoing care is important for healthy healing on day five and beyond. Maintain gentle oral hygiene by carefully brushing teeth, avoiding the extraction site directly. Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) two to three times daily to keep the area clean and reduce bacteria. Swish gently and allow the water to fall out, rather than forceful spitting.
Dietary considerations remain important during this phase of recovery. Continue consuming soft, non-chewy foods to prevent irritation to the healing site. Avoiding crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods helps protect new tissue and prevents food particles from lodging in the socket.
Activities that can dislodge the blood clot, such as smoking, strenuous exercise, or drinking through a straw, should continue to be avoided. Following all post-operative instructions provided by your dentist is important for recovery. While soft tissue healing occurs within a few weeks, complete bone healing takes several months.