Will there still be a hole after removing the stitches following wisdom tooth extraction?

Generally, a hole remains in the mouth after suture removal following wisdom tooth extraction. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Typically, stitches are removed within one week after wisdom tooth extraction. At this stage, the alveolar socket formed by the extraction has not fully healed. Therefore, if the tooth socket still exists, a cavity may be noticed in the mouth. Within 24 hours after extraction, a blood clot forms in the extraction site and begins to organize. Around one week later, granulation tissue starts to appear, which will be gradually replaced by mature fibrous connective tissue over the next three weeks, eventually filling in the socket. Meanwhile, the surrounding bone tissue also undergoes changes and requires repair.

The bone tissue within the extraction socket is initially immature and gradually matures over time. Only when the entire socket becomes smooth and level with the surrounding tissue does the hole truly disappear. This complete healing process usually takes about three months. After wisdom tooth extraction and suture removal, a black-looking hole may remain. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life and rinse the mouth promptly after eating. If the black hole results from dry socket (alveolar osteitis), treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, metronidazole tablets, chlorhexidine mouthwash, or hydrochloride mouthwash. Local debridement surgery may also be performed to remove necrotic debris.

If a black hole appears after suture removal following wisdom tooth extraction, no treatment is necessary if it is part of normal healing. However, if it is caused by an underlying condition, treatment should be pursued under a doctor’s advice.