In most cases the gums completely grow over and close the tooth extraction socket within one to two weeks. Over the next year, the blood clot is replaced by bone that fills the socket. In a patient with a dry socket, blood does not fill the extraction socket or the blood clot is lost.

How do you treat an exposed jaw bone?

Oral rinses with chlorhexidine (Peridex®) should be used 3-4 times a day, indefinitely. Dentures can be worn, but may require some resizing or cushioning to prevent further injury. An appliance can be used to cover and protect the exposed bone. Antibiotics may be given.

How long does it take for gum to cover bone?

When your tooth is extracted from your jaw, there is trauma to the jaw bone and this will take longer to heal than the gum tissue. The bone will start to heal after one week, nearly fill in the hole with new bone tissue by ten weeks and completely fill in the extraction hole by four months.