Any dentists out there?

[webjunkie]

I had a very large back tooth extracted yesterday and initially felt fine. However, today I am in considerable pain and generally feel pretty rough. In fact all my teeth hurt today! Is this normal and how long will I feel like this? Anyone out there had a similar experience?

[webjunkie]

Anyone?

[Mumof3teens]

DS2 is a dentist. He said to ask you the following; How did the tooth feel before it was taken out? Have you been resting? Do you smoke?

[webjunkie]

Thank you! The tooth was extremely painful before it was removed, I'd had toothache for approximately six weeks. I don't smoke. I have been off work although doing a bit from home so nothing too strenuous. It looks like the blood clot is forming over the gum so I wouldn't think it's dry socket although I might be wrong?

[Mumof3teens]

He thinks it should settle down. He normally tells his patients that it will settle down in a couple of days. He tells them to take ibuprofen and paracetamol if necessary and rinse out with warm salty water after eating (but not rinse enough to dislodge the blood clot). If you are worried about infection he said to contact your dentist, who will be happy to help. Hope you feel better soon.

[bonzo77]

Dentist here. Was it a lower molar? Hard to say if normal without looking at it. Assuming you are not allergic, try taking 2 Nurofen and 2 paracetamol now. Then spread 3 doses of Nurofen and 4 or paracetamol over each 24 hours. Do this for 48 hours. Do not rinse your mouth or touch the socket. Brush the rest of your teeth as normal, gently spitting out the excess paste. If after 48 hours the pain is not much improved see the dentist as it might be a dry socket. I'd suggest you call Friday morning, do not leave it till Friday afternoon!!!

[bonzo77]

FGS DON'T RINSE!!! It causes more problems than it solves. I don't recommend it, haven't for years.

[webjunkie]

Aw thank you, all you lovely kind people! I am drugging myself up, after six weeks of toothache I'm used to it. Yes it was a lower molar. A huge one!

[bonzo77]

Lower molar with pre-existing infection= increased risk of dry socket. FGS DO NOT RINSE! And be sure to call dentist 9am Friday morning if not feeling some improvement.

[webjunkie]

Thank you bonzo77 I am hoping I will feel better tomorrow but I'll get straight onto the dentist on Friday if I'm not feeling better. I hear dry socket is a terrible thing.

[bonzo77]

Dry socket is grim. But treated correctly and early it's manageable.

[webjunkie]

It seems a bit quick to get it? The pain started about 14 hours after the extraction. I really hope I'm just being a bit of a wimp and this will be all good in the morning. Ugh, I thought I would start feeling better when that tooth was out!

[bonzo77]

Yes, too early to diagnose. I normally say that if post operative pain is getting worse (rather than starting to ease) after 48 hours then it needs looking at.

[webjunkie]

Went to the dentist today and it seems I do have an infection. He was very non committal about whether or not it was dry socket but has prescribed antibiotics. Hopefully things will start to get better soon. Thanks to both of your for your help an advice

[bonzo77]

Oh well, at least you're on it. If it's just a socket infection rather than dry socket it'll clear faster.

[webjunkie]

Ooh that gives me some hope. You've been very kind. I wish you were my dentist!

[bonzo77]

I don't think you do: I really only see people who are house bound or in care homes. Most of whom have dementia!

[webjunkie]

In that case it'll be a few years yet. If I have any teeth left at that point!