Why Is My Tooth Extraction Site White And Black?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blog will address the question,” Why is my tooth extraction site white and black?” and cover topics like tooth extraction, when you need an extraction, time taken for a tooth extraction, what happens during a tooth extraction, things to consider before and after tooth extraction and risks involved in tooth extraction.
Why is my tooth extraction site white and black?
Your tooth extraction site appears white and black due to formation of granulation tissue as part of the normal healing process. After one day of extraction, the clot forms at the extraction site followed by formation of black and white appearing granulation tissue that covers the wound.
The black and white should not cause any discomfort or pain. If it does, then it might not be a granulation tissue but a dry socket and in that case, you must immediately visit your dentist.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction or dental extraction is a term used for the removal of a tooth from the oral cavity.
Your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction when all the other ways of saving a tooth have failed or can’t be applied.
When Do You Need A Tooth Extraction?
You may need a tooth extraction when:
- Your tooth is infected, damaged, and cannot be saved by any means like root canal treatment
- Space is needed for teeth alignment during an orthodontic treatment
- Your tooth is mobile and almost out-of the socket
- Your dentist finds that removal of tooth is necessary to prevent the spread of infection or to prevent any complication
Before Tooth Extraction: Things To Consider
Once your dentist suggests a tooth extraction, give a complete history of :
- Your present illness (if any)
- Medicines that you are taking or had taken in the past
- History of your past illness such as any surgeries you had or any major illness
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or alcohol drinking habits
After tooth extraction, you may need someone to take you home safely. Hence, you need to plan accordingly.
How Much Time Does A Tooth Extraction Take?
A tooth extraction may take a few minutes to hours depending on the type of tooth to be extracted and the level of integration between the tooth root and the jaw bone (alveolar bone).
Molar tooth extraction and extraction of wisdom teeth may take longer than the extraction of front teeth. Similarly, mobile tooth can be extracted in a few minutes while the extraction of tooth whose roots are fixed to the alveolar bone may take a longer time.
What Happens During A Tooth Extraction?
During a tooth extraction:
- You will be asked to lie down on a dental chair
- The position of the dental chair will be adjusted as per the dentist’s convenience
- Local anaesthetic (numbing agent) will be injected in the dental nerves depending on the tooth to be extracted
- Once the surrounding area of the tooth to be extracted is numb, your dentist will start the procedure
- Using specific dental tools, your tooth will be extracted
- Incision may be required in specific cases or in case of impacted tooth (tooth that is not visible in the oral cavity and is hidden beneath the gums)
- Once the tooth is removed from its socket (position where tooth was fixed), the socket is cleaned and irrigated
- If incision was used, stitches will be given
- Finally, cotton gauze with betadine is inserted into the socket
- You will be asked to close the mouth tightly to keep the gauze in its place for 45-60 minutes
After Tooth Extraction: Things To Consider
After the tooth is removed from its socket, consider the following:
- Bite down with pressure to hold the gauze tightly in its place for 45-60 minutes
- After 45-60 minutes, throw the gauze in a safe place
- You will be asked to drink something cold to prevent swelling
- Take painkiller and antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist
- Once you feel ok, have someone with you to go home
- If your tooth extraction was carried out on general anaesthesia or sedative, it is advised not to drive for 24 hours
Are There Any Risks Involved With Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a safe procedure done routinely by your dentist or oral surgeon. However, some risks associated with tooth extraction can be:
- Bleeding
- Dry socket (painful condition where a clot is not formed in the extracted tooth socket and underlying nerves and bones are exposed)
- Infection
- Incomplete removal of the tooth root
- Injury of the jaw bone (most common with wisdom tooth extraction)
- Temporary or permanent damage of the nerve causing numbness in the lips and surrounding area
- Injury to the adjoining area if tools are improperly handled
Conclusion
This blog addressed the question,”Why is my tooth extraction site white and black?” and covered topics like tooth extraction, when you need an extraction, time taken for a tooth extraction, what happens during a tooth extraction, things to consider before and after tooth extraction and risks involved in tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Why is my tooth extraction site white and black?
What is the best pain relief after tooth extraction?
Best pain relief after tooth extraction is ibuprofen. You must take the painkiller prescribed by your dentist as per recommended dose to get quick relief.
Can I smoke after tooth extraction?
No, you should not smoke after a tooth extraction. It is suggested to abstain from smoking for at least 48 hours after tooth extraction. Smoking may interfere with clot formation at the extraction site leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Can I eat pasta after tooth extraction?
Yes, you can eat pasta after tooth extraction but make sure it is properly cooked, boiled and is not sticky. Avoid any tomato sauce with the pasta as it may hurt the extraction site being too acidic.
Is swimming after tooth extraction safe?
You must avoid swimming after tooth extraction as it increases your blood pressure, exerting extra pressure on the operated area, The extra pressure may cause the clot to break and bleed. It may further worsen to dry socket resulting in severe pain and discomfort.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
Yes, tooth infection can affect your whole body if left untreated.
Untreated tooth infection may spread to the adjoining jaw bone causing osteomyelitis.
Ascending tooth infections may enter the brain through sinuses or blood and lead to abscess formation in the brain.
Study published in the Australian Dental Journal reported ascending necrotising fasciitis resulting from the odontogenic infections.
Other FAQs about Tooth Extraction that you may be interested in.
Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
What Is The Hard Lump On The Jaw After Tooth Extraction?
Why Do I Feel Pain 6 Months After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
References:
Tooth Extraction Healing: What’s the White Stuff? – Healthline
Granulation Tissue And Wound Healing In The Mouth – Colgate
Wisdom Teeth Infection. (2018)
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt? Pain Management During and After
Dos and Don’ts of Tooth Extraction Aftercare – Luke, Caloundra Dentist