Do I have a dry socket?

Question:

I got my wisdom teeth out on friday, the 20th of July, 2007, and now it's the 22nd, Sunday. I have no pain on the lower right extraction site, however, there seems to be a build up of what can only be described as white tissue, forming around where the wisdom tooth used to be, and around the outside of the tooth that resides next to it. I don't sense any bone exposed either, because there is no pain. I haven't been on pain meds since the first couple hours after the surgery.

Answers:
It sounds like the area is just healing. If you had a dry socket you would know, they are very painful.

That's totally normal! If you don't think it seems right in another week or two, then call the doc.

It sounds like its healing. Trust me, you'd know if it was a dry socket. Those usually happen three to four days after the surgery and the whole side of your jaw would be aching. Try rinsing with some warm salt water to clean out the area.

It seems to me that your gums are in the healing process. The white stuff is normal most likely. If you don't have pain and foul smell then you don't have to be worried about dry socket. What you need to do is good oral hygiene. Gargle with warm salt water. Be careful not to remove the tissue over the socket no matter what color it is. Don't brush on that side vigorously. If, however you do develop pain and/or foul smell/taste see your dentist ASAP.
Good luck!

Do I have a dry socket?

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