I have just had a back bottom tooth out, fairly easy procedure with no problems or severe pain. I thought that the socket would have had a blood clot in but in mine it looks like a beigey white substance, rather like a scab but soggy obviously. The area around it looks OK and not inflamed. Is this a normal appearance following having a tooth out. I suppose I should contact the dentist but don't want to sound as though I am a fool. I had a dry socket when I first had a tooth out and I suppose this is making me a bit paranoid because it was the most excruciatingly painful thing I have every experienced (and yes I have had children!). All responses from you dental experts out there welcomed
janela Thurs 04/09/08 18:53
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a salt-water gargle at bedtime would help the healing process.
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How long ago did you have the tooth extracted?
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Hi janela, you might need antibiotics. Was it only a few days ago? Happened to me & I needed the antibiotics for an infection.
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Question Author
The tooth was taken out yesterday lunchtime. I am rinsing with salt water as per dentist instructions several times a day. I asked him about antibiotics after he had taken the tooth out and he said they wouldn't be necessary
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This may sound silly janela honey but just a thought .....it isn't a bit of the pack left in ....the pressure pad packed muslin is it ?
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Your dentist is right in that post-extraction antibiotics are not justified for a simple extraction under local anaesthesia. The risk of post-operative infection is very low. The white substance is quite normal, and is a type of granulation tissue forming within the socket that will eventually re-organise to form new gum and bone. One of the main indicators of uneventful healing is lack of pain. 'Dry sockets' are not that common either, and typically come on a few days after extraction. They are characterised by increasing pain, and bad taste and smell. Even if this occurs, antibiotics are still not warranted, and your dentist can irrigate the socket and place a sedative dressing if needed. If you rinse CAREFULLY so as not to disturb the socket, and avoid smoking, the chance of a dry socket is very small. Hope this helps!
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That's exactly what I was thinking! Or maybe a bit of food? Doesn't sound like an infection if there's no pain. Try a real good swish round with warm salt water x
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Ah! sorry, I remember now. The dentist did spray the infected cavity with something as J9PUR has said!
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I've had several extractions and twice had dry sockets. Yes, they are EXTREMELY painful and go on for a couple of weeks.
If this one isn't painful then just keep rinsing and maybe carefully wipe with a cotton bud if there's a coating.If it starts really hurting o back and the dentist will re-dress it.
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Question Author
Thanks for these answers. I can't honestly say that it is painful, just rather sore and feels as if my jaw has been a bit traumatised (which of course it has). The discomfort that I have is neither getting worse nor, at the moment much better, but the whole site still looks uninflamed. I think that the answer about granulation tissue is probably correct, thinking of a wound anywhere else, once the bleeding stops, then a yellowish substance forms over it and hardens to become a scab. Of course in the mouth being wet it can't harden but a scab is most certainly the best way I have of describing what I can see. Also I have been having problems with a painful neck and shoulder and the lower jaw seems to be involved with the same nerves so it is not excactly easy to be sure what it uncomfortable, the wound site from the tooth or the neck/shoulder. No doubt the next few days will provide the answer. Meantime I don't suppose any harm can be done by continuing the salty mouthwashes
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