Following wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket where the tooth was removed. This clot is typically dark red or even a deep purplish-black color initially. Its appearance evolves over a few days, becoming slightly lighter and more gelatinous as it begins the crucial healing process. It should fill the extraction site, resembling a small, slightly raised mound of coagulated blood.
The blood clot is paramount for proper healing after a tooth extraction. It protects the underlying bone and nerve endings from exposure to air, food, and bacteria, all of which can cause significant pain and infection. The clot also provides a foundation for new tissue growth, ultimately leading to the formation of healthy gum tissue and bone in the extraction site. Proper formation and maintenance of this clot are essential for preventing complications such as dry socket, a painful condition that delays healing.
