If you recently got your wisdom tooth pulled out and you notice a pink blob of tissue forming on the extraction area, do not poke or remove it. This is nature’s way of telling you that your body is healing nicely after a traumatic tooth extraction.
You may encounter the term “granulation tissue wisdom tooth” if you check your symptoms online. But what does it really mean? Granulation tissue is your body’s response to injury. It is a collection of blood vessels and cells that cover the area of the wound to protect it from bacteria and to allow new gum tissue to form.
Granulation tissue is vital to your recovery from wisdom teeth surgery and helps improve your long-term oral health. In this page, we will learn more about granulation tissue and how to manage your symptoms during the healing process.
What is Granulation Tissue?
Granulation tissue is a soft, pink or red tissue that forms in the empty socket after wisdom tooth removal. It is a natural part of the healing process. It is filled with blood vessels and cells that collectively function to:
- Protect the wound as it continues to heal
- Cover exposed bone and nerves in the tooth socket
- Promote healing after injury
- Provide foundation for new gum and bone tissue to form and grow
- Supply nutrients to improve healing conditions of the wound
- Fight off infection
- Rebuild the injured area for long-term health
Granulation Tissue and Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Granulation tissue plays a big role in the process of healing after wisdom tooth extraction. It serves as protection from bacteria and infection and provides a healthy layer of tissue to kickstart the rebuilding process of the gums and bone.
To give you a better idea about granulation tissue, here is how this tissue develops and changes as you go through your recovery:
Day 1-2: A blood clot will initially form in the socket where the tooth was extracted. This will help stop the bleeding and provide a protective layer for the open wound. This is the foundation for healing of tooth extraction.
Day 3-7: This is when the granulation tissue will begin to form. It will be soft, pink, and bumpy. This is packed with blood vessels and cells that will support healthy recovery of the gums and bone. Initially, the granulation tissue will be weak and can be moved easily. But, it is important not to disturb the tissue as it heals to prevent complications and help with ideal healing.
Week 2-3: Over time, the pink granulation tissue will be replaced with connective tissue. This is more sturdy and resilient. Continue following your dentist or surgeon’s recovery tips to keep the tissue in good shape.
Week 4 onwards: Then, the empty socket under the tissue will start filling with bone tissue to completely rebuild the wound. Deeper bone remodeling will fully take place after a few months.
Is Granulation Tissue a Cause for Concern?
Granulation tissue is not a cause for concern. In fact, it is a good sign that indicates that the wound is healing very well. A healthy granulation tissue should be soft and pink. However, if it comes with symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain, it may indicate an infection. See your dentist immediately so they can take a closer look and assess the need for further treatment.
Granulation tissue vs other wisdom teeth complications
Dry socket is one of the most common wisdom teeth complications. It is a severely painful infection of the wound that should be addressed immediately to relieve the pain. Dry socket is easily identifiable from granulation tissue as one of the signs that you may have a dry socket is a hollow wound without the presence of this protective granulation tissue.
Granulation tissue is crucial in preventing dry socket as it helps supply blood and nutrients to the socket. It also covers the wound from bacteria and debris that may cause infection.
Healing After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The formation of a granulation tissue is an essential part of the healing process after wisdom tooth removal. Keeping it intact is key to your recovery as it prevents complications that may negatively affect your healing.
Here are some of the tips to keep in mind as you go through your recovery:
Maintain good oral hygiene – Avoid bacteria build-up by keeping a good at-home hygiene care. For the first few days, avoid brushing the wound area to prevent dislodging the blood clot and tissue forming over it. Instead, use an antibacterial mouth rinse to remove debris. Once the granulation tissue is more stable, you may brush your teeth as you normally would.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet – Start with a soft diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support tissue repair and boost your immunity. As you continue to heal, you may gradually reintroduce semi-soft to solid foods that keep your energy up and your body in tiptop condition.
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy foods – These are irritants that can delay your healing when it causes trauma or irritation on the healing wound.
Do not smoke – Smoking can constrict the blood vessels of the granulation tissue and may impede your healing. The sucking motion can also move the clot and tissue over the wound to cause dry socket.
Protect the granulation tissue over the wound – Be mindful of movements that may shift the clot and tissue as it heals. Avoid chewy foods, using straws, and smoking. Keeping the granulation tissue intact will ensure that you are on the road to excellent recovery.
When to See Your Dentist
The general rule is that if you have persistent symptoms, such as pain, bleeding, and swelling, contact your dentist or surgeon immediately. While these are normal for the first 2 days, persistent problems after wisdom teeth removal require professional assessment to ensure that everything is healing as it should be. Timely treatment prevents complications and helps with good healing.
Attend your follow-up appointments
You may be required to visit the dental office for a follow-up appointment after seven days. This is to remove any remaining stitches and to monitor your healing progress.
Contact Us
Granulation tissue is not something to worry about— it is a safe and essential part of your healing journey and signals you that you are doing a good job with keeping your oral health in good shape as you recover from wisdom tooth removal!
But, if you had your wisdom tooth removed and you are unsure of how you are healing, our team at Arbutus Station Dental is here to help. Contact us today and let us help you learn more about your recovery process!