Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that involves extracting the third molars, often due to impaction or to prevent future dental issues. Understanding the typical appearance of your gums during the healing process can help alleviate concerns and provide reassurance. The journey to recovery involves several stages, each with distinct visual characteristics of the surgical sites.
What to Expect Immediately After Surgery
Following wisdom teeth removal, the immediate appearance of your gums and surrounding areas will reflect the recent surgical intervention. Moderate swelling around the jaw and cheek is a common occurrence, often peaking within the first 24 to 72 hours. The gum tissue itself may exhibit redness or a slight bruised appearance due to the trauma of the extraction.
Initial bleeding is normal, with slight oozing or light bleeding typically present for the first day. The healing process involves the formation of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This clot appears as a dark, jelly-like mass or a dark scab and serves as a protective barrier over the exposed bone and nerves. Stitches may be visible across the extraction site, aiding in the closure of the wound.
The Healing Journey Over Time
As the initial post-operative phase passes, the appearance of your gums will gradually change, indicating progression in healing. During the first week, there should be a noticeable reduction in swelling and bruising around the jaw and cheeks. Any stitches present will typically begin to dissolve or fall out on their own.
The extraction socket will start to close, and the blood clot may become lighter in color or integrate more fully with the surrounding gum tissue. A yellowish tint around the healing area can also be a normal part of this early recovery phase. By the second to fourth week, the socket continues to close further as new tissue gradually fills the space. The gums will progressively return to their normal pink color, and any remaining swelling should resolve.
Distinguishing Normal Healing from Complications
Recognizing the differences between normal healing and potential complications is important for post-operative care. Normal signs include mild discomfort, which should steadily decrease, slight swelling that subsides over time, and minor bruising. A dull ache is also typical, and the presence of a stable, dark blood clot within the socket is a positive sign of proper healing.
However, certain visual cues can indicate a problem requiring professional attention. If a dry socket develops, the blood clot may be lost, leaving an empty hole, often with visible whitish bone at the bottom of the socket. This condition is typically accompanied by severe, throbbing pain that can radiate to the ear or neck, and a foul odor may be present. Signs of infection include spreading redness, increasing swelling, the discharge of pus, or a persistent foul taste or smell from the extraction site. Excessive bleeding that does not subside after applying pressure or appears bright red and continuous warrants immediate contact with your dental professional.