Duration of healing
The duration of the healing process goes along with the removal of the stitches. After seven to ten days the stitches should be removed, until then the wound is closed in the majority of cases. The wound is closed, but the gums are not yet completely levelled.
The bone in the tooth socket is also forming, which can last for about four to six weeks, but the patient hardly notices this process. However, if there are complications, the phase until the wound closes can continue, so that after the seven to ten days after the stitches are removed, the edges of the wound are not yet closed together. If the infection persists, the dentist may clean and scrape out the alveolar socket again, creating a new blood clot that turns into connective tissue.
In the event of complications, it is not possible to say in general how long the healing process will take, because other factors also play a role. Smokers and patients with diabetes mellitus have impaired wound healing, which promotes infections and, in principle, already prolongs the healing process. In general, it is important for the patient to go to the dentist for a follow-up check after tooth extraction, even if no stitches have been applied, in order to have the wound healing controlled.
If complaints occur, the patient should immediately see the dentist to initiate the necessary measures.In the case of uncomplicated procedures, usually no sick note or only a sick note for the day of treatment is necessary. If complications in wound healing occur, the dentist can issue a sick note for a period of one week, depending on how quickly the situation stabilizes. A daily follow-up check is the rule.
