How Long Does It Take Wisdom Tooth Holes to Close? Healing Timeline & Aftercare Tips

If you’ve recently had a wisdom tooth removed, you might be wondering: how long does it take wisdom teeth holes to close? The healing process can feel a bit mysterious, especially when you're dealing with a noticeable hole in your gum after the procedure.

The good news? That hole won’t last forever.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the healing timeline after a wisdom tooth extraction, what affects the recovery speed, and how you can care for the area to avoid complications and promote smooth healing.

Understanding the Healing Timeline: When Do Wisdom Teeth Holes Close?

The term “wisdom tooth hole” refers to the empty socket that’s left in the gum and bone after a tooth is extracted. How long it takes for this hole to close depends on several factors, but generally, here’s what you can expect:

How Long for Wisdom Teeth Holes to Close?

Most patients will find that their wisdom tooth hole begins to close within the first 1–2 weeks, with the soft gum tissue sealing over the site. But how long until wisdom teeth holes close completely? For most, full closure of the socket, including bone healing, takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months.

If the extraction was complex—such as in cases of impacted teeth—healing may take a bit longer. Still, your body knows exactly what to do. With the right care, most people heal without issue.

What Affects How Long It Takes Wisdom Tooth Holes to Close?

The healing timeline varies for each person. These factors can influence how quickly your socket closes:

• Surgical vs. Simple Extraction: Impacted or partially erupted teeth often require surgical removal, which involves more trauma and a longer healing time. }
• Age and General Health: Younger patients tend to heal more quickly. Medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders may slow recovery. ‍
• Smoking or Alcohol Use: These habits reduce blood flow to the healing tissue, which may delay gum closure and increase infection risk. ‍
• Oral Hygiene: Poor hygiene can introduce bacteria into the extraction site, interfering with healing and increasing the risk of dry socket. ‍
• Nutrition and Hydration: Eating a balanced, soft-food diet and staying hydrated support faster tissue repair.

How to Support a Smooth Healing Process

Here’s what you can do to help your wisdom tooth hole close faster and more comfortably:

1. Don’t Dislodge the Clot

The blood clot is your body’s natural bandage. Avoid vigorous rinsing, using straws, or brushing directly over the site for the first few days.

2. Rinse Gently After 24 Hours

Start using a warm salt water rinse 2–3 times per day to keep the area clean. But be gentle—forceful swishing can slow healing.

3. Stick to Soft Foods

For at least the first 48 hours, avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or sticky. Choose nourishing foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or smoothies (just skip the straw).

Need help planning your post-op meals? Check out our previous article: What to Eat After Tooth Extraction: 24 Hours, 48 Hours, and Beyond

4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Both impair healing and increase the chance of developing a dry socket, one of the most painful post-extraction complications.

5. Keep Up with Dental Hygiene

Brush gently around the site using a soft toothbrush. Floss daily and continue to clean the rest of your mouth normally.

When to Call Your Dentist

Even with the best care, it's important to monitor the site. Contact your dentist if you notice:

• Severe or worsening pain after 3–5 days
• Bad breath or a foul taste that won’t go away
• Pus, fever, or visible swelling that spreads
• A socket that looks white or empty (possible dry socket)

Your recovery should steadily improve with each day. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, reach out.

Wisdom Tooth Hole Still Open? Don’t Panic.

If your wisdom tooth hole hasn't completely closed after a few weeks, that’s not always a sign of a problem. The gum tissue may appear closed at the surface, but deeper healing (especially in the bone) continues for months.

In some cases, a small indentation or shallow pocket can remain. Your dentist may monitor it over time to ensure food particles or bacteria aren’t getting trapped.

How Long Until You Can Eat Normally Again?

Most people can return to a regular diet after about 1–2 weeks, depending on how their wisdom tooth hole is healing. If you’re unsure when to reintroduce crunchy or chewy foods, ask your dentist during your follow-up visit.

Takeaway: Healing Takes Time, But You’re Not Alone

So, how long does it take wisdom teeth holes to close? The answer depends on your body, your habits, and the type of extraction, but in most cases, soft tissue closes within a few weeks, and the socket fully heals within a few months.

At West Soho Dentistry, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From gentle wisdom tooth removal to personalized recovery advice, our team helps you heal with confidence.

📍 Based in New York and ready to help.  Schedule your follow-up or consultation here.