"Healed" means different things at different depths. The pain settles first, then the gum closes, and the bone finishes last. Here is the usual sequence after a straightforward extraction, followed by what changes it.
A realistic timeline
- First 24 hours: the clot forms. A blood clot fills the socket (the hole left by the root). This clot is the foundation of all healing that follows, which is why most aftercare rules are about protecting it. Some oozing and mild ache are expected.
- Days 2 to 3: peak soreness and swelling. If there is going to be swelling, it is usually biggest around day two or three, especially after a surgical extraction. After this, things should improve every day.
- Days 3 to 7: the socket starts to close. The clot is gradually replaced by soft healing tissue. It often looks white or creamy yellow. Patients worry this is pus, but it is usually normal healing tissue and is not smelly or painful.
- Around one week: review. Our written instructions ask you to come back after about 8 days for stitch removal or a follow-up check.
- Two to four weeks: the gum closes over. For most single-rooted teeth the gum surface is closed within about two weeks; a large molar socket may still show a dip for longer.
- Three to six months: the bone fills in. New bone slowly fills the socket and the ridge reshapes itself. This is why implant and bridge timing depends on the X-ray, not the calendar alone.
What slows healing
- Smoking, gutkha, kharra, mishri and supari. These cut down blood supply and raise the risk of dry socket. Our instructions ask for no tobacco for at least 72 hours after surgery and no tobacco or alcohol for 4 to 5 days.
- Uncontrolled diabetes. High sugars slow wound healing and raise infection risk. We ask that blood sugar, blood pressure and thyroid are controlled before surgery.
- Surgical extractions and impacted wisdom teeth. Where bone was removed or the tooth was cut into pieces, expect a week or more of soreness and a slower close. See our wisdom tooth extraction page.
- Disturbing the clot. Spitting, sucking through a straw, vigorous rinsing or poking the socket with a tongue or toothpick in the first day or two.
- Some medicines and conditions. Long-term steroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy to the jaws and certain bone medicines need special planning. Always tell us what you take.
Signs healing is on track
- Pain is less each day after day three.
- Swelling peaks and then goes down.
- Bleeding has stopped, apart from slight pink saliva in the first day.
- You can open your mouth a little wider each day.
Signs to call us
Pain that gets worse after day two to four, a foul taste or smell, swelling that keeps increasing, fever, or bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure. Call 8484 990 678; our Kharadi clinic is open until 11 PM. If swelling is spreading towards your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department straight away. More on this is on our emergency dentist page.
Healing is rarely a straight line, and one uncomfortable evening is not a failure. A trend that is going the wrong way, though, should always be seen. You will find related answers in the tooth extraction questions.
