What Should a Tooth Extraction Look Like When Healing?

Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. 

If you’ve just had a tooth pulled or are planning to, you might be curious about what should a tooth extraction look like when healing begins. 

Whether the tooth was removed due to decay, overcrowding, or for a dental implant, knowing the healing is the same. 

This article will explain the stages of healing, possible problems to watch out for, and tips to help you recover smoothly.

What to Expect as a Tooth Extraction Heals

In the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, you’ll see a hole where the tooth was.

The socket will appear deep red, and a blood clot will form, filling it up to the gumline. 

Over the next few days, you might notice a creamy white substance in the wound—this is normal. 

The gums around the extraction site may also turn white as part of the healing process, but this should fade within a few days.

After two to three days, the hole will begin to shrink, and new gum tissue will start to grow around the edges. 

By one to two weeks, the socket should turn pink instead of dark red. 

Most of the gum tissue will have healed, and the hole will be nearly closed. 

For larger teeth, like molars or wisdom teeth, healing may take a bit longer. Even at the two-week mark, you might still notice a slight indentation in the area.

What Is the White Tissue in a Tooth Socket After an Extraction?

At Junction Family Dental Care, some patients worry about noticing "white stuff" in the socket after a tooth extraction. 

Within 24 hours of your extraction, a blood clot will form in the socket to stop the bleeding. After that, your body creates granulation tissue to protect the wound. 

This tissue often looks creamy white and is made up of collagen, white blood cells, and blood vessels. 

Its presence is a good sign that your socket is healing as it should.

If you see this white tissue and aren’t experiencing pain, there’s no need to worry. 

When the White Stuff Signals a Problem

If you notice the white material along with any of the following:

• White pus in the extraction site.

• Severe pain after the procedure.

• Pain that spreads to your ear, eye, temple, or neck.

• A bad or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

• Swelling in your cheek.

• Bad breath.

Partial or complete loss of the blood clot.

This could be a sign of a condition called dry socket, the most common complication after a tooth extraction. 

Dry socket is a frequent issue that can occur after a tooth is removed, so it’s important to contact your dentist right away if you experience these symptoms.

To avoid any other complications, follow your dentist’s advice on diet, and avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery.

Signs of Proper Healing

As you heal, it’s important to know what normal recovery looks like. If you notice these signs, it means you're doing well:

• Pain should slowly get better, not worse, over time.

• Swelling should go down within a few days.

• A little clear or light pink fluid is normal, but pus or a bad smell could be a problem—let your dentist know.

• The extraction site should gradually close as it heals.

For a smooth recovery, stick to soft foods, avoid soda, don’t brush too hard near the extraction site, and avoid whitening products for your other teeth.

In Summary

When your tooth extraction is healing, it will start off looking deep red with the hole clearly visible. 

Over time, you might notice a white color in the area—this is just granulation tissue, which helps you heal.

In less than two weeks, your socket will likely be mostly healed, and you can switch from a soft diet to other foods.

If you’re in Toronto and need a tooth extraction, feel free to contact us here.