Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU and being a big baby? Tooth extraction -

117 replies

seanconneryseyebrow · 03/05/2026 17:28

So after a week of excruciating pain I had my tooth extracted on Friday morning. So day 3 now. I’ve barely slept in a week, round the clock pain killers. Today I’m in so much pain, face massive, bruising. I’ve had four kids but this has knocked me for six. I just want to cry I’m so fed up.

Is it normal to feel in this much pain? Can your share your dental stories so I don’t feel like such a big baby. I can’t work I’ve basically been in bed for a week on round the clock painkillers, and there’s been tears too. V unlike me.

OP posts:
NecklessMumster · 09/05/2026 08:50

It took me a few days to a week to feel completely better from dry socket, but slowly and surely lessened in pain. I was taking painkillers round the clock though, and the antibiotics. You're waiting for the gum to heal over, its the exposure to the bone that causes the pain. The packing at the dentist gave instant relief but it soon fell out for me, I only had one dentist visit post extraction though. I'm sorry you're going through this, its horrendous.

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 09/05/2026 06:50

So for those who have had a dry socket - how long does this crap go on for? He diagnosed and treated it wednesday - whilst initially I felt bit better, its now painful again (keeping me up at night painful but not as bad as before) - and Im back there today. How long can I expect this to go on for? Im fed up.

OP posts:
Allseeingallknowing · 07/05/2026 16:31

seanconneryseyebrow · 07/05/2026 16:28

Yeah see update. It was a dry socket plus a torn stitch (i think thats what they said) and a raging infection. Im on the mend (finally). Its been a shite week.

Sorry you’ve been unlucky, and have had such a horrendous experience. Glad you’re feeling better.,

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 07/05/2026 16:28

Yeah see update. It was a dry socket plus a torn stitch (i think thats what they said) and a raging infection. Im on the mend (finally). Its been a shite week.

OP posts:
Boomer55 · 07/05/2026 16:25

seanconneryseyebrow · 03/05/2026 17:28

So after a week of excruciating pain I had my tooth extracted on Friday morning. So day 3 now. I’ve barely slept in a week, round the clock pain killers. Today I’m in so much pain, face massive, bruising. I’ve had four kids but this has knocked me for six. I just want to cry I’m so fed up.

Is it normal to feel in this much pain? Can your share your dental stories so I don’t feel like such a big baby. I can’t work I’ve basically been in bed for a week on round the clock painkillers, and there’s been tears too. V unlike me.

A tooth extraction should not involve all this, if you have dry socket then contact your dentist,

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 07/05/2026 16:20

seanconneryseyebrow · 07/05/2026 15:31

Unlucky. Ive had extractions before and never had anythign like this.
I feel soooooo much better now. Slept normally, and Im just on paracetemol every 4 hours now. Still only eating soft but still. Feeling human again.

What a drama llama! lol.

No you are not a drama llama. Tooth pain is the worst! Glad you feel better.

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 07/05/2026 15:31

Unlucky. Ive had extractions before and never had anythign like this.
I feel soooooo much better now. Slept normally, and Im just on paracetemol every 4 hours now. Still only eating soft but still. Feeling human again.

What a drama llama! lol.

OP posts:
Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 07/05/2026 09:55

seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 14:35

So back from dentist. He said it is three things - raging infection, dry socket, and a torn stitch. He said it is really inflamed and in a bad way, but after such a long surgery he isn't surprised. So he fannied about with it, which hurt like hell, put some gross stuff in it, packed it, and gave me more meds and I have to go back every few days for 3 weeks!!!! which seems mad. He reminded me that this was surgery and not a quick one. So Im pleased its on the mend and Im being sorted, but pretty miffed that this is going to take so bloody long to sort.

Is this normal after an extraction or are you just unlucky?

Allseeingallknowing · 06/05/2026 15:00

seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 14:39

BUT I did sleep 4 hour whole hours last night in one stretch, which I haven't managed in 10 days so Im buzzing about that. I feel the end is near.

Not that bad, surely? Sorry, OP, couldn’t resist!

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 14:40

Not even close to pain free, but its reducing, so thats something. I know some peopel here said the dressing gave instant relief - it hasn't for me. :(

OP posts:
HmmWhatNameToHave · 06/05/2026 14:39

It's not surprising that it hurt so much then. Sounds like it's going to be really annoying to keep going back but the good news is that the infection and the pain will be under control so worth going. Hope you are pain free now.

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 14:39

BUT I did sleep 4 hour whole hours last night in one stretch, which I haven't managed in 10 days so Im buzzing about that. I feel the end is near.

OP posts:
Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 14:35

So back from dentist. He said it is three things - raging infection, dry socket, and a torn stitch. He said it is really inflamed and in a bad way, but after such a long surgery he isn't surprised. So he fannied about with it, which hurt like hell, put some gross stuff in it, packed it, and gave me more meds and I have to go back every few days for 3 weeks!!!! which seems mad. He reminded me that this was surgery and not a quick one. So Im pleased its on the mend and Im being sorted, but pretty miffed that this is going to take so bloody long to sort.

OP posts:
HmmWhatNameToHave · 06/05/2026 05:53

What a relief eyebrow!

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 06/05/2026 00:24

Well I feel I am - finally - turning a corner. Im still in pain and can't sleep or eat anything solid, but Im not crawling the walls. The pain has defo reduced. Im thrilled! Off to dentists tomorrow lunchtime, finally. Im hoping I get at least a few hours in tonight. Im just so tired, its been over a week of this, and I feel like ive got a new baby again with the sleep deprivation.

OP posts:
louthomson · 04/05/2026 23:55

You poor, poor thing - I got dry socket after an extraction and agree it's completely excruciating! Can't believe you've gone this long with it: well done for surviving the pain.
The one thing I did find that helped was that you can buy the Dry Socket dental paste over the counter - this is what the dentists use to treat it. It tastes horrible (like chewing cloves) but does a brilliant job with the pain.
Looks like you can get it on Amazon: Alvocure, Dental Products : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care, but you may also be able to find it locally to you.
Good luck - sending you a very gentle hug and best wishes.

tazgirl · 04/05/2026 20:12

Have you been rinsing often with warm salt water? You need to rinse vigorously after the initial 24 hours to keep the socket clean.

I’d advise alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen. Take 400mg ibuprofen every 6 hours to get on top of the pain. You could even take a couple of 600mg doses just to get on top of it and alternate that with paracetamol. Take 1000mg paracetamol in between these doses to a maximum of 4000mg/day. So you’re taking something every 3 hours. Keep taking at that schedule regardless if you feel you don’t need next dose yet or not. Just for a couple of days until your dentist can take a look.

Ice wrapped in a towel or similar is better than heat in case of infection (heat can help to grow bacteria)

Im a dentist

TreacleMoon · 04/05/2026 18:18

I had a (infected) back tooth out a few years ago, but I found the whole experience really upsetting, it was quite painful but what was worse was that it felt weird missing a tooth, I left the surgery and as I walked into the car park, I started crying, then I tried getting into my car grappling with the handle and clicking the fob but it just wouldn't open, so I kicked the tyre in frustration, looking across for some moral support I saw two guys in a van one of whom was pointing along the line of cars and there was my car! lights flashing on and off when I clicked the fob.. In my defence this car was exactly the same colour and make but a much newer version.. I've never been so embarrassed, thankfully no damage done to the other car, just my ruined ego really.. Hope you feel better soon

Squirrelchops1 · 04/05/2026 18:09

It sounds like you've been really unlucky. I had an infection and the pain was so awful I could understand why people did DIY in lockdown.
I had a back lower wisdom out. I was surprised by people's reactions and maybe I was a bit naive but I just got on with it. Only needed paracetamol the next day, followed the info sheet to avoid dry socket and healed well.
Fair play the dentist was bloody good, in and out no problems but topped up my anaesthetic when she saw how deep the infection was.

coolcahuna · 04/05/2026 18:01

I also over did the meds. Dentist was not impressed with amount of codeine I had taken and was surprised I hadn't been sick

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 04/05/2026 18:00

They cancelled due to dentist being sick. Can’t be helped but I burst into tears like a big baby. Next available was Friday - and I already have a Wednesday one with the oral surgeon who did it. I’ll just have to muddle through. I did cheer myself up by eating trifle. Which was banging tbf

OP posts:
coolcahuna · 04/05/2026 17:59

Omg I feel so bad for you and empathise totally. I had an abcess recently which lead to a tooth extraction. The pain the day and night before was absolutely horrific and the relief to just get it out . Felt fine pretty quickly though

Flower1976 · 04/05/2026 17:47

seanconneryseyebrow · 04/05/2026 10:18

I do think maybe a lot of this is me having my jaw open wide for that long. The jaw on that side where it opens is excruciating and when I am putting the heat on it as well as under the jaw.
he did have to stop a few times as my jaw was seizing. It’s a long time to have your jaw open hey? 1.5 hrs.

Edited

Any update after your dentist appointment. Hope you’re feeling a lot better and the pain has subsided. 🤞🏻

horlickstablets · 04/05/2026 10:45

seanconneryseyebrow · 04/05/2026 10:18

I do think maybe a lot of this is me having my jaw open wide for that long. The jaw on that side where it opens is excruciating and when I am putting the heat on it as well as under the jaw.
he did have to stop a few times as my jaw was seizing. It’s a long time to have your jaw open hey? 1.5 hrs.

Edited

yeah my jaw was sore after a root canal
mash and gravy or mash and grated cheese is a nice change
hot milk with honey
soups
custard

Original poster
seanconneryseyebrow · 04/05/2026 10:18

I do think maybe a lot of this is me having my jaw open wide for that long. The jaw on that side where it opens is excruciating and when I am putting the heat on it as well as under the jaw.
he did have to stop a few times as my jaw was seizing. It’s a long time to have your jaw open hey? 1.5 hrs.

OP posts: