When does the hole close after wisdom tooth extraction?

The surface of the gum closes in 2-4 weeks, but the bone underneath takes 2-3 months or longer to fill in. Food getting trapped in the socket during that time is a normal part of healing, so please don't try to dig it out with a toothpick — just rinse gently with clean water. However, if pain actually gets worse 3-5 days after extraction and is accompanied by bad breath, it may be a dry socket (a healing complication), so please come in.