Gum infection?
Ok the other day I had to have my tooth pulled because I was told by my dentist that the tooth could not be saved. The doc stitched my gums and sent me on my way with pain killers. I noticed a day and half later that the socket where my tooth was extracted was turning a *****, moldy color (greyish, black, greenish-yellow), it had a bad odor, and a horrible taste coming from it. I know this sounds gross, but I really need to get answers. I called my dentist, and he perscribed me over the phone, penicillin 250mg taking 2 the first dose, and 4 times a day. My first day starting it was today. Do you think that the penicillin will help the pain, and cure the obvious infection? What should I do?! There is a hole there in the gum socket, and it doesn't look like it will close over...please help me!
My braces are off and I've noticed they're moving back already! It's only been 3 days!?
Answers:
Sounds like you have a dry socket! Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction is disrupted prematurely. The socket can pack with food and bacteria. The pain typically last 2-4 days following the extraction. Do you have the symptoms like extreme pain, a foul taste, bad breath, and swelling in the infected area?? (if you have those, then you have dry socket!!)
A X-ray is usually required to determine if there is a leftover root tip or a dry socket. Antibiotics (like penicillin) are not useful in curing a dry socket, and the usual pain medications are not very effective. It is better to go back to the dentist who extracted the tooth and let him or her "pack" the socket.
If it's a dry socket, a dry socket paste should be used and the pain should be relief an hour or so after the socket is packed.
Within a week the socket should begin to heal from the bottom up and can be left empty without pain.
Let me know if you have any addtional questions.
What Do They Do When They Take Off Your Braces? Does It Hurt?
The penicillin should fix the problem as long as you finish the entire prescription. It should ease some pain, too. Be sure to follow the dentist's other instructions as well. 2 days after the pull, start gently rinsing the socket with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) after meals or every 4 hours. Brush your teeth at least twice/day to remove extra bacteria. The hole can take up to six months to fill-in, so don't worry about that. Just keep an eye out for future infections, and you'll be fine.
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