Confused about tooth extraction.

[bobshotme]

I had a molar next to the wisdom tooth removed Monday at 2:30 and I thought it would be completely healed within a week but now I'm reading it takes several months. I was told after about a week I could go back to eating normal, but if the socket is still open then, how is there not risk of getting dry socket? Is it that after the week it's healed enough to cover the nerve endings on the bone?

Also how long does the blood clot stay in the socket?

[Thelma-Louise]

I was told many moons ago when I had teeth pulled that within 7 to 21 days the gum surface should be fully healed - the blood clot could take several days to a week to disappear and that rinsing a few times a day with warm salted water will expedite the healing process. You may want to refrain from chewing anything hard in the area for several weeks - like crusty breads, pizza, etc. - just to give the gum surface a chance to strenghten itself as the process starts with the surface and then proceeds down into the deeper tissue. The healing of the bone beneath the gum is what can take several months.