A white spot on your gum after wisdom tooth removal can be concerning. While often normal healing, it may also signal other issues needing dental attention. Understanding these reasons can help alleviate anxiety and guide action.
Normal Healing and Appearance
Following wisdom tooth extraction, the body initiates healing. Within minutes, a blood clot forms in the empty socket, acting as a natural bandage. It protects exposed bone and nerves. This clot is dark, red-purple.
Around two to three days after extraction, the blood clot is replaced by granulation tissue. This tissue, a mix of blood vessels, collagen, and white blood cells, repairs the site. It often appears white, off-white, or slightly yellow, with a soft, sometimes bumpy texture.
Granulation tissue indicates proper healing. This delicate tissue acts as a protective barrier over the extraction site, forming a scaffold for new gum and bone. Over the next few weeks, it will be replaced by stronger bone and gum tissue, sealing the socket.
Potential Causes of White Spots
While granulation tissue is normal healing, other factors can cause a white spot on the gum after wisdom tooth removal.
Food Debris or Foreign Material
Food bits or foreign material can become trapped in the extraction socket. These particles can irritate the healing site or dislodge the blood clot. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water, recommended 24 hours after the procedure, can help clear them.
Exposed Bone Fragment (Bone Sequestrum)
A bone sequestrum, or bone spicule, is a small piece of dead bone that separates from healthy bone. These fragments may appear white and can feel sharp or uncomfortable as the body pushes them out through the gums.
Infection/Abscess
A white or yellowish fluid, often pus, at the healing site can indicate an infection. Other symptoms may include increased pain, persistent swelling, redness, a foul smell or bad taste, and sometimes fever.
Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site fails to form or dislodges prematurely, usually within 2 to 4 days. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves. The socket may appear empty, pale, or white, with visible bone. This condition causes severe, throbbing pain, often radiating to the jaw, ear, or temple, and may not be relieved by typical pain medication.
Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer)
Canker sores are small, round or oval ulcers that can form inside the mouth, including on the gums. They often have a white or yellow center with a red border. These can be triggered by oral tissue trauma, like a tooth extraction, or by stress. Though painful, minor canker sores usually heal within one to two weeks.
Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. It appears as creamy white, slightly raised patches, often resembling cottage cheese, on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums. These patches may bleed slightly if scraped and can cause soreness, burning, or difficulty eating.
Trauma or Irritation
Gum tissue around the extraction site can appear white due to irritation or trauma from brushing too hard or eating sharp foods. This localized whiteness is usually temporary and resolves as the tissue recovers. However, persistent irritation could delay healing or increase the risk of complications.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some white discoloration after wisdom tooth removal is normal healing, certain signs and symptoms warrant prompt dental attention. Recognizing these indicators can help prevent complications.
Seek immediate professional help if you experience severe or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication. Pain that intensifies after the first few days, especially if it radiates to your jaw, ear, or neck, suggests a potential problem.
Persistent swelling, redness, or warmth around the extraction site that does not subside or worsens after two to three days is concerning. Swelling that spreads beyond the jaw, potentially to the face, should also be evaluated. These symptoms can point to inflammation or infection.
Pus or a foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site clearly indicates infection. A persistent bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t improve with rinsing may also signal bacterial activity. Additionally, developing a fever, especially above 100.4°F (38°C), or experiencing chills, can indicate a spreading infection.
Difficulty opening your mouth wide (trismus), trouble swallowing, or breathing problems can signify a spreading infection or significant swelling requiring immediate assessment. If the white spot grows, changes appearance, or does not resolve, a dentist should examine it. Persistent numbness or tingling in your lips, chin, or tongue lasting beyond 24 hours or for several days or weeks after the procedure could indicate nerve involvement or damage, requiring a follow-up.