What Is Seen in This Case

The image shows the lower jaw after recent tooth extractions, with visible sutures on both sides of the lower gum. The extraction sites appear open and healing, with mild redness in the surrounding gum tissue. This is expected shortly after dental surgery, but the area must be monitored closely for signs of infection or delayed healing.

The remaining teeth appear intact, and the soft tissue is in the early healing phase.

Most Likely Diagnosis

Based on visual examination, the most likely conditions include:

• Normal post-extraction healing phase

• Surgical gum wounds with sutures in place

• Mild post-operative inflammation

• Risk of post-extraction infection if hygiene is poor

At this stage, healing is expected but requires proper care.

What Causes Problems After Tooth Extraction

Common causes of delayed healing or infection include:

• Bacteria entering the extraction site

• Poor oral hygiene after surgery

• Smoking or vaping

• Excessive mouth rinsing or spitting

• Chewing hard food too early

These factors can disrupt blood clot formation and slow healing.

Is This a Serious Problem

Immediately after extraction, this condition is normal and manageable. However, if healing does not progress, it may scale up into:

• Post-extraction infection

• Dry socket

• Increasing pain and swelling

• Bad taste or odor from the wound

• Bone infection

• Delayed gum closure

Early care prevents complications.

Recommended Treatment Process

Immediate Post-Extraction Care (Days 1–3)

• Follow dentist instructions carefully

• Avoid disturbing the sutures

• Take prescribed medications if given

• Maintain gentle oral hygiene

Healing and Protection Phase (Days 4–7)

• Swelling and tenderness should slowly reduce

• Soft foods only

• Gentle salt water rinses if advised

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Re-evaluation Phase (Days 8–14)

• Gum tissue should begin closing over extraction sites

• Sutures may be removed if required

• Pain should significantly improve

Expected Healing Time

• Initial gum healing: 7–10 days

• Complete soft tissue healing: up to 14 days

• Bone healing continues for several weeks

Healing speed depends on oral care and general health.

What Happens If Healing Is Delayed

If healing is delayed beyond 14 days, the risk increases for:

• Infection of the extraction site

• Persistent pain

• Bone exposure

• Abscess formation

• Additional dental treatment

Prompt dental review is required if symptoms worsen.

Home Care While Healing

These steps support healing but do not replace professional care:

• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing

• Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods

• Do not touch the wounds with fingers or tongue

• Follow all post-operative instructions

Professional Comment

This case shows early post-extraction healing with sutures in place, which is normal. Careful monitoring during the first two weeks is critical to prevent infection and support proper bone and gum healing.

Visit a Dental Clinic Near You

For post-extraction follow-up and wound evaluation, visit:
https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic