Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 11/5/2008

Question
2 days ago i went to my dentist because my wisdom tooth was hurting for about 4 days and he cut the gum that was growing over my tooth because food was getting caught under it which was causing it to hurt and i was wondering how long its going to take for it to heal...(i couldn't ask because my mouth was frozen)..i can't even open my mouth to eat (so I've been eating soup broth)and i was wondering if there's anything i can do to speed up the healing process because it really hurts. :(

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

It can take up to a week for the area to heal. It will probably be sore for another day or so. In a day or two, it should start feeling much better and you should be almost as good as new. ;)

Try rinsing with warm water to help bring blood to area so it heals faster. Otherwise, treat the area gently, and you should start feeling better soon.

Take care!