AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low & Tempe, AZ
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You’ve just had your wisdom teeth removed, or you’re about to.
You probably have some questions: How much will it hurt? When can I eat my favorite foods again? Will my mouth ever feel normal?
These are valid questions—and you deserve clear answers.
In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about the healing process, complications like dry socket, and tips for proper aftercare.
Healing stages after wisdom tooth removal start with the formation of a protective blood clot, followed by the regeneration of soft tissue, and eventually full recovery within weeks. To prevent dry socket, follow proper aftercare instructions and avoid activities that could dislodge the clot.
Healing Stages After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Understanding the healing stages after wisdom teeth removal can help you know what to expect and how to care for your mouth throughout the process.
Here’s a breakdown of each phase:
- Blood Clot Formation (0-24 Hours)
Immediately after the extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to stop bleeding and protect the underlying bone and nerves.
- Initial Inflammation (24-48 Hours)
Swelling and mild discomfort are common during this period. This is your body’s natural response to start the healing process.
- Soft Tissue Repair (3-7 Days)
Gums begin to heal and close over the extraction site. You may notice reduced swelling and discomfort.
- Granulation Tissue Formation (1-2 Weeks)
New tissue called granulation tissue forms, filling in the socket. This tissue is part of the process that replaces the blood clot.
- Bone Healing and Maturation (3-4 Weeks)
The jawbone begins to heal and stabilize. The socket gradually fills with new bone tissue, though full bone healing can take several months.
- Complete Healing (3-6 Months)
Full healing of both the gum tissue and bone can take several months. By this stage, the extraction site should be completely closed.
Normal Socket After Tooth Extraction
Right after your wisdom teeth removal, you’ll see a tooth extraction site, referred to as a socket.
This is where the tooth used to be, and the healing process begins here.
A good extraction site should initially be filled with a blood clot formation. This clot is your mouth’s first step in healing and prevents excessive bleeding.
- The blood clot forms to protect the underlying bone tissue and gum tissue.
- Over time, the clot will stabilize and start turning into new tissue, known as soft tissue healing.
- Your socket shouldn’t have any visible bone. If it does, something’s not going as planned and you should contact your oral surgeon.
At this stage, avoid disturbing the extraction site. Don’t poke at it with your tongue or fingers. Don’t swish vigorously and be careful when brushing around the surgical sites.
What Does Dry Socket Look Like?
Dry socket is a post-extraction complication that patients frequently dread.
It happens when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves too early.
It is not an infection, however it exposes the underlying bony tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which can cause severe pain and discomfort.
Signs of Dry Socket
- Severe, radiating pain that worsens approximately seven days after the extraction
- Visible bone in the extraction site
- An unpleasant taste or foul odor
Dry socket typically occurs a few days after tooth extraction, usually around 7 days post-extraction, but it can vary depending on your body’s healing process.
Early Stage Dry Socket
The early stage dry socket can be excruciating.
It’s often accompanied by sharp, intense pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience this, contact your oral surgeon.
They may clean the site, possibly place a medicated dressing, and prescribe pain relief medications or other treatments to ease your discomfort.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery and Proper Healing
To make your healing process go smoothly, follow your post-operative care instructions from your oral surgeon.
Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Immediate Aftercare
- Ice pack: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to your cheek for the first 24 hours. This will help reduce swelling, pain, and minor bleeding. After 48 hours, you can switch to warm compresses to promote blood flow and healing tissue.
- Gauze pads: Use the provided gauze pads to control initial bleeding. Place a fresh gauze pad directly over the extraction site as advised by your surgeon. Apply firm pressure for 40–60 minutes. Changing gauze too often will cause more bleeding.
- Pain medications: Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, and always follow the instructions provided by your surgeon.
Diet Recommendations
Your diet plays a huge role in your recovery.
A soft food diet is crucial during the initial healing phase. For a list of soft foods ideas as well as what to eat and what not to eat, read: What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extractions.
Soft foods are recommended because they cannot do damage to the inside of your mouth. Hard or crunchy foods can damage the healing socket and can also get stuck in the socket.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Proper oral hygiene is important for optimal healing.
Here are some tips:
- Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush carefully around the extraction site.
- Salt water rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times a day (after meals, before bed). This helps clean the extraction site and reduce the risk of infection.
- Antiseptic mouthwash: Use a dentist-approved antiseptic mouthwash for added cleanliness.
Risks of Complications
Look out for any of these signs of infection:
- Persistent swelling
- Excessive bleeding
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Persistent pain or bad breath
If you notice any of these, contact your oral surgeon right away. Infections can escalate quickly and result in more severe complications if not addressed promptly.
What to Avoid Immediately After Surgery
After your wisdom teeth are removed, your mouth needs time to heal.
Certain activities and habits can disrupt the healing process, increase the risk of dry socket, and prolong your recovery.
Here’s what you should avoid in the first few days following your surgery:
- Strenuous activities: Avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, or sports. These activities can increase blood flow, which may cause excessive bleeding or dislodge the blood clot forming in the extraction site. Stick to light rest and gentle movement.
- Straws: Don’t use straws. The suction motion can dislodge the blood clot and result in dry socket. Drink directly from a cup or glass instead.
- Smoking: Don’t smoke for at least 5 days post-surgery. Smoking irritates the extraction site, reduces blood flow, and increases the risk of dry socket, infection, and poor healing.
- Hard and crunchy foods: Avoid nuts, popcorn, and chips. These can get stuck in the extraction site and cause infection or discomfort.
- Alcohol consumption: Don’t consume alcohol for at least 72 hours. It can interfere with blood clotting, hinder healing, and increase the risk of infection.
- Touching the extraction site: Don’t touch, poke, or play with the extraction site with your fingers or tongue. This can introduce bacteria and disturb the blood clot.
Trust Your Smile to the Experts – Book Your Appointment at AZ Max Now!
We are committed to providing the best care and support during your wisdom teeth removal recovery.
If you recently had a tooth extraction at one of our locations and are experiencing symptoms of dry socket or have concerns about your post-operative healing process, contact us right away.
We will provide instructions on how to manage pain and will get you in to see your surgeon as soon as possible. To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
