Introduction
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that many people undergo in their late teens or early 20s. While removing the wisdom teeth solves problems like pain and overcrowding, it leaves behind empty spaces where the teeth used to be. These holes take time to fill in and heal. In this article, we will look at what to expect after wisdom tooth extraction and how long the holes from wisdom teeth tend to last.
What Happens Right After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Immediately after having your wisdom teeth taken out, you will be left with open sockets where the teeth used to be. These sockets will initially be filled with gauze to help control bleeding and promote clotting. The gauze packing will need to be changed periodically, as the sites continue to ooze blood for the first 24 hours.
By the second day, initial healing will have started to take place, and you should notice the bleeding has reduced significantly. The open holes or extraction sites may look like craters in your gums, but this is normal. As your mouth heals, tissues will start to fill in the sockets and the gums will close over.
How Long Does It Take for the Holes to Fill In?
The holes left behind after wisdom tooth removal can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months to completely fill in and smooth over with new tissue. Here is a rough timeline of what to expect:
Week 1
The first week after having your wisdom teeth out is when you will experience the most swelling and discomfort. The holes will be evident, and your gums around the extraction sites may appear white. This is simply tissue healing, so don’t be alarmed. Rinsing with salt water and keeping the sites clean will help tissue rejuvenate.
Weeks 2-4
From weeks two to four, you should notice the holes starting to fill in. Swelling in your cheeks and gumline will have substantially reduced. The tissue may look pink, shiny, and smooth over the healing extraction sockets. The holes will likely still be noticeable during this time but should not have an opening into the gum.
1-2 Months
From one to two months following wisdom tooth removal, the holes should be filled in with new gum tissue. The only evidence left behind at this stage is a slight depression or dimpling of the tissue where the tooth used to be. The gum itself should appear normal, though it takes time for the area to blend with surrounding tissue.
3-6 Months
Between three and six months is when the most rounding out and smoothing of the gum tissue occurs. The previously extracted sites heal to the point that you can hardly notice them anymore. Slight divots may still be present if the wisdom teeth were considerably impacted. For most people, the holes are no longer visible during this time frame.
Factors That Influence Healing Time
While the above timeline gives a general idea of recovery, it’s important to note that healing can vary based on:
Age
Younger patients tend to heal faster from wisdom tooth removal. Teens and young adults may only take a couple of weeks for the holes to fill in and smooth over. Older patients over 30 years of age may take closer to 2-3 months.
Difficulty of Impaction
If the wisdom teeth were severely impacted, healing may be prolonged. Difficult extractions that require excessive bone removal result in larger socket spaces that take longer to fill. Partial bony impactions tend to heal faster.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral care after surgery helps minimize infection risk and encourages tissue to rejuvenate. Poor hygiene can delay healing. Brushing, flossing, saltwater rinses speed healing.
Tobacco Use
Like poor hygiene, tobacco inhibits healing. The chemicals negatively impact new cell and tissue growth. Smokers require up to twice as long for extraction sites to fill compared to non-smokers.
Medical Conditions
Existing medical conditions like diabetes or immune disorders can delay oral healing. The same goes for medications like steroids that suppress the immune system. Your overall health impacts recovery.
Tips to Help the Holes Close
While you can’t rush the natural healing timeline, here are some tips to help optimize recovery:
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Take care of swelling first 24-48 hrs | Reduces inflammation so healing can begin |
| Apply cold compresses | Soothes surgical sites and prevents swelling |
| Have a soft foods diet | Avoids irritation to healing wounds |
| Rinse mouth gently with salt water | Flushes out food, keeps sites clean |
| Avoid tobacco and smoking | Promotes faster healing |
Potential Problems to Watch For
While holes remaining after wisdom tooth extraction is normal, watch for these problems that may require medical care:
– Excessive bleeding that won’t stop
– Bad breath or pus drainage indicating infection
– Swelling that worsens after 48 hours
– Red, inflamed gums that don’t improve
– Persistent jaw stiffness and bruising
– Numbness or tingling in mouth, lips or tongue
– Difficulty swallowing or opening mouth
If you experience any of these issues, follow up promptly with your oral surgeon or dentist to avoid complications. Proper care from the start ensures the smoothest recovery from wisdom tooth removal.
Conclusion
The holes left behind from wisdom tooth extraction can take a few weeks to a few months to completely fill in and heal. On average, most people find the holes are no longer noticeable at around the 3-6 month mark. However, healing time varies based on your age, oral health, and the complexity of the extractions.
While the holes may look unpleasant at first, rest assured your gums are simply healing and new tissue is reforming. With proper oral care and time, the extraction sites will round out and become less visible. Within several months, it may be hard to tell wisdom teeth were ever there. Just remember to be patient as your mouth recovers.