Why is the area where I pulled a tooth 3 weeks ago black?

Answer by  ChrisMPJ (91)

The area may be black because there is an infection or something was damaged when you pulled the tooth. Teeth have nerve endings in them and you may have damaged the area.

Answer by  Shelina (66)

The black you see can either be from bruising to the area, or you may be seeing the healing clot that forms in an extraction site.

Answer by  Kathyzig (50)

The area appears black because of the way a tooth socket heals. Outside the mouth, the body forms scab over the area but in an area like the mouth, the healing area forms almost like a clot. In time, the wound should grow smaller in diameter. If you are in pain, contact your dentist.

Answer by  bunnifer (45)

Yikes! You need to get to the dentist pronto, that is either severly infected or you have cancer. It is turning black because that tissue is dying which was most likely caused by an infection getting into that area. I'm afraid you will probably need surgery and IV antibiotics at best.

Answer by  Terri (229)

It might be infected. Did you pull the tooth yourself, without a dentist's supervision? An abscess could have formed or food or bacteria could have interfered with the healing process. I would contact a dentist right away and have it checked out.