I had my lower left first molar extracted last Thursday. The extraction went fine, no complications.
I have since developed dry socket with symptoms presenting on the 2nd day after extraction (Sat) and got progressively worse until I booked to go back to my dentist yesterday (Thurs). She said that she could see bone visible etc and then numbed the socket, cleaned and then encouraged it to bleed before packing it with medicated gauze. There is no sign on infection, I have kept the wound as clean as possible.
I was told that the gauze wasn’t permanent and that it will come out and to manage the pain I was advised to take co-codemol and ibuprofen. When I left I felt so much better and took the pain killers as advised.
The pain crept back overnight and I am taking the painkillers with the gauze still in place. My questions are:
- I was told I needed to go back and that the gauze will come out. How long will the gauze stay in and what should I do if it doesn’t come out? Do I need to worry if it’s not come out in a few days?
- Does the gauze hinder the healing process?
- How long after the gauze comes out will I be in pain?
- How long is the pain likely to last?
I should have asked these whilst I was there but I just didn’t think. I’ve had this pain for a week and the thought of it continuing longer and longer is making me very anxious.