Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Gum tissue takes about 3-4 weeks to heal. Complete healing of the bone can take about 6 months. Hopefully, the infection is under control by now as this will not only allow healing to occur, but will relieve any discomfort due to swelling and infection you might be experiencing.
Dry socket is caused by exposure of the bone tissue.
This can appear as a white area at the bottom of the socket. However, you may also observe a whitish-gray substance during the course of normal healing. Dry socket usually develops about 3-4 days after extraction and is accompanied by moderate to extreme pain. Most patients who have experienced dry socket describe the pain as extreme. The condition lasts an average length of about 5-6 days.