After a tooth extraction, the socket goes through several stages of healing. Knowing what is normal helps you feel confident during recovery and recognise signs of complications.
A dark red blood clot forms in the socket. Some bleeding and swelling are normal.
The clot remains, and swelling may peak. White or yellowish tissue may appear around the edges, which is often normal healing tissue.
Gum tissue begins to close over the socket. Discomfort should decrease.
The gum continues to close, and the socket becomes shallower.
The gum is usually closed, though bone continues to fill the socket underneath.
Bone remodelling continues for several months.
Severe pain a few days after extraction, an empty-looking socket and bad taste may indicate dry socket.
Increasing swelling, pus, fever or worsening pain may indicate infection.
Follow aftercare instructions, eat nutritious foods, avoid smoking and keep the area clean.
Once the socket has healed, you may want to consider replacing the missing tooth. Options include an implant, a bridge or a partial denture. Implants are often placed a few months after extraction, once the bone has healed, unless socket preservation or immediate placement was planned. Discuss replacement options with your dentist early, ideally before the extraction, so the best approach for your bone and gums can be planned from the start.
In the first day or two, a healthy socket contains a dark red or maroon blood clot that fills most of the space where the tooth used to be. It may look jelly-like and slightly raised. Over the next few days, the surface of the clot may turn paler or yellowish-white as healing tissue, called granulation tissue, begins to form. This change in colour is a normal part of healing and is often mistaken for infection. As long as pain is gradually improving, it is usually a good sign.
Normal healing involves discomfort that is worst in the first two to three days and then gradually improves. Mild swelling, slight bruising and some tenderness when opening wide are common. Warning signs include pain that suddenly worsens after day three, pain spreading to the ear or temple, a foul taste or smell, pus, increasing swelling after the third day, fever or feeling generally unwell. Any of these should prompt a call to your dentist, as early treatment of dry socket or infection brings quicker relief.
As the socket heals, small food particles can become trapped in it, especially after the first week. This is common and usually harmless. From the day after the extraction, gentle warm salt water rinses after meals help keep the area clean. Your dentist may provide a small syringe to gently flush the socket after wisdom tooth removal, usually from around the fifth day. Avoid poking the socket with toothpicks or fingers, which can damage the healing tissue.
Often yes. It can be healing tissue.
Gum heals in weeks; bone takes months.
If pain increases after a few days or you notice pus or fever.
Contact us if you have concerns about your healing.
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