Tooth extraction, especially the extraction of teeth such as wisdom teeth, is one of the most common dental procedures. After tooth extraction, a cavity is created in the gum, which is gradually closed and repaired during the natural processes of the body. But the question that arises for many patients is how long it takes to close the extracted tooth cavity? In fact, many of our patients at Dr. Benianian's dental clinic also ask us when the extracted tooth will heal! This frequent question from your side made us decide to examine all aspects of this issue in a separate and specialized article on Dr. Benianian's dental site and to express important points for faster recovery of the tooth extraction site. What is the meaning of creating a cavity after tooth extraction? The meaning of "creating a cavity after tooth extraction" is that after the tooth is removed from the jawbone, **an empty space is created at the location of the tooth root.** This empty space or cavity appears in the form of a dimple or cavity in the gum and is actually the same place where the tooth root was previously. ### Why is a hole created? When a tooth is extracted, not only the crown but also the root of the tooth is removed from the bone. The remaining empty space is naturally filled with a blood clot, which is the first step in the process of healing the wound and closing the tooth cavity. The cause of dry cavity after tooth extraction The main cause of a dry cavity after tooth extraction is the separation or incomplete formation of a blood clot at the tooth extraction site. On the other hand, the following factors can increase the probability of this problem: ### Smoking after tooth extraction Smoking immediately after tooth extraction can cause the blood clot to separate from the wound. Because the nicotine in cigarettes reduces blood flow and slows down the healing process. The heat and suction pressure of smoking increases the risk of developing a dry cavity. ### Washing the mouth before 24 hours, a mistake that causes the clot to separate One of the most common mistakes of patients is to wash the mouth vigorously in the first hours after tooth extraction. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause the cavity to remain open and cause tooth pain and inflammation. It is better not to rinse the mouth and avoid gargling for the first 24 hours. ### Using a straw to drink Drawing liquids with a straw creates negative pressure in the mouth, which can draw the blood clot out of the wound. This will aggravate the dry socket. So you should use a glass to drink liquids for the first few days. ### Wound infection after tooth extraction If the tooth extraction site becomes infected, the process of closing the cavity will be significantly slowed down. Infection will cause destruction of new tissue, pain, swelling and even long-term open wounds. It is very important to observe oral hygiene and timely use of antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor. ### Taking some medicines Drugs such as anticoagulants (such as warfarin), steroid drugs or chemotherapy drugs can also have a negative effect on the process of clot formation or tissue repair. What is a dry cavity? Dry socket is one of the most common and painful side effects after tooth extraction. This condition occurs when the normal blood clot that should form at the tooth extraction site: - Do not form at all, or - to disappear prematurely (for example, by washing the mouth vigorously, using a straw, or smoking), As a result, the bone and nerve endings inside the tooth cavity remain uncovered, causing severe pain, inflammation, and sometimes bad breath. Difference between tooth cavity and dry cavity After tooth extraction, a natural cavity is created at the location of the root, which we call the tooth cavity. This situation is completely normal and is part of the healing process. But if this cavity is not repaired properly and the blood clot is not formed or destroyed, the person may have a dry socket, which is a painful complication. ### comparison table of tooth cavity and dry cavity When a wisdom tooth, especially an impacted wisdom tooth, is extracted, it leaves a relatively deep cavity in the gum. This cavity is usually covered with soft tissue in the first week and if there are no special complications, it will be completely closed in a few months. Of course, the external appearance of the gums may become normal sooner, but the internal process of restoration continues. So creating a cavity in the gum after wisdom tooth extraction is a natural phenomenon, which proper care is very important in preventing infection and speeding up the healing process. If your wisdom tooth has not yet erupted and you are wondering how to tell if it is coming out?, it is better to pay attention to symptoms such as pain at the end of the jaw, swelling of the gums or pressure on the adjacent teeth, and if you see these symptoms, consult a dentist. ### Dry cavity after wisdom tooth surgery A dry socket after wisdom tooth surgery occurs when a blood clot is separated from the socket or is not formed properly. In this condition, the bone and nerve endings remain uncovered, causing severe pain, bad breath, and delayed healing. ### Cavity created after wisdom tooth surgery The hole created in the gum after wisdom tooth surgery is usually deeper than the usual cases of tooth extraction, and for this reason, the healing process may take longer. In these cases, sutures are sometimes used to help with faster closure. It is also necessary to fully follow the dentist's recommendations, take antibiotics, and avoid putting pressure on the surgical area. Cavity created after wisdom tooth extraction In some people, especially those whose wisdom teeth have not fully erupted, the cavity created after wisdom tooth extraction can be deeper and associated with a higher risk of developing a dry cavity. Proper care, avoiding smoking and observing oral hygiene are key factors in preventing possible problems. The period of time to close the extracted tooth cavity On average, the period of time to close the cavity of an extracted tooth is between 7 to 10 days to restore the soft tissue (gum) and about 3 to 6 months to completely restore the jaw bone. However, this time will vary depending on factors such as age, general health status, method of tooth extraction (simple or surgical), tooth location and oral hygiene. The duration of filling the space of the extracted tooth in orthodontics In cases where the tooth is pulled for therapeutic purposes such as orthodontics, its place is gradually filled with the help of the movement of the adjacent teeth and the use of braces. The period of time to fill the place of an extracted tooth in orthodontics usually takes between 6 and 12 months or more, and this depends on the treatment plan and the severity of the jaw deformity. What should be done to heal the extracted tooth? Nazi founders: > Complete and rapid healing of the extracted tooth requires proper dental care in the early days and oral hygiene in the long term. The blood clot that forms at the tooth extraction site is the most important factor in starting the healing process. So, preventing damage to this clot (for example, deliberate manipulation) and helping to regenerate gum and bone tissue is the key to a faster recovery. ### Solutions for faster healing of the extracted tooth **Press sterile gauze over the created cavity:** For 30 to 60 minutes after tooth extraction, use sterile gauze with gentle pressure to stop bleeding and form a clot. **Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours:** Rinsing your mouth and gargling any substance such as water, salt water, or mouthwash in your mouth can dislodge the blood clot from the cavity and disrupt your healing process. **Do not drink liquids with a straw:** Sucking with a straw creates negative pressure and may dislodge the clot. So drink liquids with a glass. **Avoid smoking and alcohol:** Seagulls, hookahs and alcohol reduce blood flow and increase inflammation, slowing down healing and increasing the risk of dry socket. **Eat soft and cool foods:** Warm soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes or smoothies are good options for the first days. Do not eat hard and hot foods. **Keep your mouth clean:** From the second day, gently clean the area around the tooth extraction site with a soft toothbrush and use an alcohol-free mouthwash as recommended by the doctor. **If prescribed, take antibiotics and painkillers in full:** Medications help control pain, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process. So if your toothache is very severe, use a strong painkiller for your toothache. When will the space of the extracted tooth be filled? The question "When will the place of the extracted tooth be filled?"** is one of the most common questions of patients, and the answer depends on the type of tooth and how it was extracted. But in general: - Soft gum tissue: within 7 to 10 days - Jaw bone: 3 to 6 months - And vacancies in orthodontics: 6 months to 1 year It will improve later. So, if you plan to implant, you have to wait until the jawbone is restored. **Summary of tooth cavity issue** The duration of closing the extracted tooth cavity varies from a few days to a few months depending on different conditions. By observing post-surgery care and visiting a good dentist regularly, complications such as dry socket can be prevented and the healing process can be accelerated.