Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 8/12/2007

Question
Hi,

Referring to this guys question
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Dentistry-966/Gum-Hole-healing-wisdom.htm

I just had all 4 wisdom teeth removed.. I can't see what's happening on the top, but it seem that one side of the bottom, the doctor stiched the tissue and close the gap due to some complication but on the other side where there's no complication, I can still see the hole.. its like a big hole..  and the inside its white.  So I was wondering if this is normal?  Or is that the jaw bone that I'm seeing? If its the jaw bone, would I end up with a dry socket problem?  I'm really paranoids about this.  And just to confirm my understanding, the gum outside the socket will GROW and heal inward?

Thank you in advance!!
Cheers,
Eric


Answer
Dear Eric,

If you were developing a dry socket, you would know it from the pain. In the absence of pain, I would assume that you are seeing the clot that covers the socket. And yes-- the majority of non-surgical extractions leave a sizable hole if they are not sutured closed, and this is normal.

The healing tissue that will eventually cover the socket grows inward from the edges of the wound, as well as from the socket below.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY