blood clot in socket?

Question

Hi folks,

My extraction was of my first molar #19...I can see pretty much everything in there.

How long should I be able to see the dark colored clot? Until the gums close up?

I had the extraction 6 days ago.

should the red be pink or white by now?

Answer 1

Everyone heals a little differently! Usually the socket completely closes within about 2 weeks. They tend to close up faster if sutures (stitches) are placed. Try to keep the area clean, if food debris collects inside that socket, then is will heal even slower (and possibly even become infected). 6 days is still pretty early, it should still look red (probably not dark red) turning whitish/yellow. If it begins to look really red (deep red and bubble-like), it is possible that a granuloma is developing (which is a hematoma like development) If this is what happens, it is nothing to worry about, but you want your dentist to see it. Hope that this helps!

Answer 2

yeah it is really gross looking at it in the mirror. What you have to do is rinse with Listerine after eating. EVERY TIME. You don't want to let the food settle in there and cause an infection. You should be able to see the gum beginning to close about four to five days after the extraction.

The tongue will get use to the tooth not being there and you will hardly realize that it is gone. But to answer your question, the clot will be there for about 8-9 days. That is how long mine was there. I stayed on my antibiotics and rinsed after eating and drinking any juice, soda, or tea. You don't want anything to settle in there other than water!!!!!

Good luck and I recommend a bridge operation. That is what I am considering to fill in that empty space.

Answer 3

After an extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why your dentist will ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after an extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad on the area and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it's important to protect it, especially for the next 24 hours. It's important to not:

• smoke and chew tobacco

• drinking alcohol

• suck through a straw

• rinse your mouth vigorously

• clean the teeth next to the extraction site

These activities could dislodge the clot and slow down healing.

Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces bleeding, and helps the healing process.To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. Don't take medication on an empty stomach or nausea may result. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Also:

• Drink lots of fluids.

• Eat only soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.

• Don't use alcoholic beverages.

• Avoid hot and spicy foods.

You can begin eating normally the next day, or if not by then, as soon as it's comfortable. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times a day (put a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gently rinse, swish, and spit). Also, rinse gently after meals. This helps keep food out of the extraction site.
The blood clot will slowly disolve, don't pick it out.
You'll feel better soon.

Answer 4

It's important to not:

• smoke and chew tobacco

• drinking alcohol

• suck through a straw

• rinse your mouth vigorously

• clean the teeth next to the extraction site

Answer 5

IT'S OK TO SEE AN AREA THAT IS DARK RED. IT WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME WHITISH, THEN PINK.
IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT NOT TO DISTURB THIS CLOT IN ORDER TO PREVENT DRY SOCKET.