When Will My Wisdom Tooth Hole Close?

A wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but it leaves behind a hole in your gums that takes time to heal. On average, a wisdom tooth hole can take a few weeks to a few months for the hole to fully close. The initial healing after a wisdom tooth removal occurs within the first couple of weeks, while complete tissue regeneration takes longer. 

Read on to learn more about the healing process, what affects recovery time, and how you can speed up the process for a smoother recovery.

Average Healing Time for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Everyone’s recovery timeline is a little different, but here’s a general idea of what most people experience. Let’s walk through the stages of healing after getting your wisdom tooth removed:

Stage	Timeframe	What Happens?	Care Tips
Initial Healing	24-72 hours	Blood clot forms, swelling starts	Apply cold compress, avoid straws
Early Recovery	3-7 days	Swelling reduces, gum tissue begins healing	Rinse gently with salt water, eat soft foods
Hole Closure	3-6 weeks	Gum tissue closes over the hole	Maintain oral hygiene, avoid smoking
Full Healing	3-6 months	Bone regenerates completely	Follow dental care routine, eat nutritious foods

Healing Process Overview

Once your wisdom tooth is removed, your body begins the healing process almost immediately. The recovery journey can vary from person to person, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Just remember to give your body the time it needs to fully recover.

Initial Healing (24-72 hours)

The first step of recovery involves the formation of a blood clot at the extraction site. This blood clot is essential for protecting the exposed bone and nerve endings. During the first few days, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are common side effects. Applying cold compresses and following the dentist’s care instructions can help manage these symptoms.

Early Recovery (3-7 days)

After the first few days, the initial discomfort and swelling should start to subside. Your gum tissue will begin healing, and the blood clot will stabilize. This is the time when you’ll need to be especially cautious about how you care for the extraction site to prevent complications such as infections or dislodging the blood clot.

Hole Closure (3-6 weeks)

Within three to six weeks, the gum tissue will begin to close up over the hole left by the removed tooth. However, it’s important to note that full healing will take time. The hole may still feel like it has some depth or an indentation, but this will gradually fill in as healing progresses.

Full Healing (3-6 months)

The gum tissue may be mostly healed within a few weeks, but complete healing of the bone and the surrounding area can take several months. The bone where the tooth was removed will gradually regenerate, and any soft tissue healing will finalize during this phase. It’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s care instructions during this stage.

What Factors Affect the Healing Time?

Healing after wisdom tooth removal isn’t the same for everyone; a few key factors can speed things up or slow things down. Let’s take a look at what plays a role in your recovery time (and what you can do to help it along).

According to Healthline, the type of tooth extraction (simple vs surgical) affects the wisdom tooth extraction healing time. If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted and visible, it can typically be removed using a simple extraction. This is a less invasive procedure, and recovery is generally quicker. In case of impacted wisdom teeth (not fully erupted) or teeth positioned at an angle, surgical extraction is required. This involves cutting into the gums or bone, and recovery takes longer. 

In addition to the type of tooth extraction, several other factors can affect the healing process.

• Age: Younger individuals typically heal faster than older adults.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Both can slow down the healing process significantly.
• Size and Position of Tooth: Larger or impacted wisdom teeth leave bigger holes that take longer to close.
• Oral Hygiene: Proper cleaning prevents infections that could delay healing.
• Diet and Hydration: Eating soft foods and staying hydrated can aid in faster recovery.

How to Speed Up the Healing Process

If you’re eager to get back to 100% as soon as possible (and who isn’t?), there are a few smart steps you can take to support your recovery. Follow these practical tips to make the wisdom tooth healing time as smooth as possible.

Tips for Reducing Discomfort

To help the wisdom tooth hole close faster, try using cold compresses or ice packs for the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling and ease any soreness. If your dentist gives you painkillers or anti-inflammatories, take them as directed to stay comfortable. Propping your head up while you sleep can also help reduce swelling. And of course, give yourself plenty of rest: avoid heavy exercise for a few days and let your body do its thing!

Proper Aftercare for Faster Recovery

• Keep the area clean. Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to prevent infection.
• Listen to your dentist. Follow any specific instructions they give you for the best recovery.
• Stick to soft foods. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups are great options in the first few days.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. These can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Stay hydrated, but don’t use straws. The suction can dislodge the blood clot. 
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods like chips and nuts, which may cause discomfort or infection. 

Read more: 9 Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction for a Speedy Recovery

Good aftercare doesn’t just speed up healing, it also helps you avoid some of the more painful complications we’ll talk about next.

How Long Should You Wait Before Brushing Near the Extraction Site?

You should wait 24 hours before brushing near the extraction site to avoid disturbing the blood clot. After that, gently brush around the area using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to avoid touching the wound for about a week. Instead, keep things clean by rinsing with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash. It’s an easy way to prevent infection and keep your mouth feeling fresh.

Potential Complications and Concerns

Most wisdom tooth removals heal without a hitch, but it’s good to know what to watch out for,  just in case.

Dry Socket and Its Impact on Healing

Dry socket is probably the most dreaded complication after a tooth extraction. It happens when the protective blood clot gets dislodged too early, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.

These are among the symptoms of dry socket:

• Intense, throbbing pain that kicks in a few days after extraction
• A visible empty socket with missing blood clot
• Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.

Infection Risks and How to Avoid Them

Infections are another possible, though less common, complication. Signs of infection include:

• Persistent swelling or redness
• Fever or chills
• Pus or unusual discharge from the extraction site
• Ongoing bad taste or smell
  

The best way to dodge an infection? Stay vigilant with your aftercare. Rinse gently with salt water, avoid touching the area with your fingers or tongue, and take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.

If you notice any signs of dry socket or infection, don’t wait it out, you need professional dental care. Treating the complications as soon as possible keeps them from getting serious and helps you get back on track to full recovery.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered how long it takes for the wisdom tooth hole to close, the full recovery timeline, and helpful tips for a smoother recovery. Remember, patience and good hygiene are key to getting back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

If you have concerns during healing or want expert guidance after your extraction, Eagle Family Dentistry is here to support you with expert emergency dental care and comprehensive dental exams. Call us today to schedule your consultation, your comfort and oral health are always our top priorities.

FAQs

Have questions about wisdom tooth recovery? Or wondering if your healing is on track? Leave your questions or experiences in the comments, we’re here to help.