I had my wisdom teeth out 3 days ago and now it looks like I might have dry socket. How long will this last?

Question

I saw the dentist today but the extraction sites aren't all that sensiti ve, just a continuing ache.

Answer 1

I'm assuming the dentist treated the site with either gelfoam or packing material. A dry socket means you have lost the blood clot which would seal the opening of the bone in your jaw. When you pull a tooth, it is similar to creating that size hole in a bone, anywhere else in the body. In this case, the hole is in your jawbone. Without the clot to seal it off, the bone in the area dries and dies- so it's called a dry socket. The ache is from the bone which is being dehydrated. Hopefully the dentist resealed the opening, and it is just a matter of healing. You can use gentle heat on the jawline, take Tylenol or Motrin, and drink loads of fluids to help replace what has been lost and the extra that you need. Normally a dry socket feels better after a day, once the seal is back in place. In the meantime, don't drink any fizzy drinks like sodas, as the acid and bubbles can remove your clot seals. Try to stick with soft foods that don't require much chewing action. Some people say warm liquids make the mouth feel better, and some say cold- just have to try to see which you prefer. The ache will gradually fade over the next couple days. As I said, think of it like a broken bone, because the healing required is very similar. You wouldn't expect a broken arm to feel great a day or so afterwards, and your jaw is not different. Take the Tylenol or Motrin and wait a few days, it will feel better.

Answer 2

3-5 days after the extraction is when most people have a slight increase of "pain" with the extraction sites. This is normal. If you had dry socket; you would know!!! Just continue to follow the dentist post op instructions and you should be good to go!!!

Answer 3

A dry socket happens when the blood clot is removed from the extraction site. When that clot is gone all the underlining tissue and nerves are exposed. It's VERY painful, the DDS will pack it with gause to relieve the pain. If your wisey's were impacted they have to crack through bone, that could be aching. Good luck and keep that area clean.

Answer 4

varies from person to person, but if u saw the dentist today and he treated it, you should be on the road to recovery, i have been there and done that but my was agony, continue being careful on that side and if it gets worse go straight back to the dentist
good luck

Answer 5

dry sockets suck, it will increase your recovery time by about 2 weeks.