It’s been a week or two since your wisdom teeth extraction, and the site hasn’t closed yet. Chances are, you might be thinking, “How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to close?” It can take up to 7 weeks for the site to completely heal.
Why Is There a Hole After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
When you look at a tooth, you only see the top third, called the crown. The other half to two-thirds of the tooth is hidden under the gums and bone. It forms the roots. Removing wisdom teeth leaves a hole called a socket.
This is the former place where roots used to be. If your wisdom teeth were impacted or half erupted, the holes in the bone would be bigger than those from a regular tooth extraction.
When Do Holes Close After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
After wisdom teeth removal, the holes don’t fill in right away. It takes time. In the first few days, a soft covering starts to form over the socket. Then the gum tissue closes off the extraction site. Within about two weeks, the area will feel smooth, like the surrounding gums.
However, underneath the gums, it can take a few months for the socket to start closing. An X-ray can check if the area is healing well, especially if there are any cysts. Even after the gums cover the socket, you might still feel a slight dip in that spot because there’s not as much bone there yet.
What Can You Do for Faster Healing?
Like any surgery, it’s important to take care of yourself after wisdom teeth removal. If you’re anemic, make sure to get enough iron by eating leafy greens and taking a multivitamin. Slow healing can mean other health issues, so talk to your doctor if you notice any problems.
Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated before and after surgery, and eat soft foods during recovery. Eating soft foods in the first few days will prevent irritation at the extraction site. Stock up on foods like yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, and applesauce before your appointment. These are easy to eat and soothing.
Most wisdom teeth surgeries today don’t need traditional stitches. If your dentist or periodontist used them, chances are they might be dissolvable. However, if they are not, they will remove them later. So, don’t skip your follow-up visit.
Always follow your home care instructions, like rinsing with warm salt water. Ignoring post-op guidelines can delay healing. If you have any questions, contact your dentist. They will be happy to help you understand the care process.
Final Word
Our teeth go way inside our gumline. They have roots we can’t see. Therefore, when your dentist removes them from their place, they leave a hole. People might examine them in the mirror and ask, “How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to close?” need to be patient.
If a complication occurs, visit our board-certified periodontists at Perio Health Professionals. Our doctors have decades of experience in performing periodontal and related surgeries. Dial (346) 509-9060 to book an appointment.
