Tell me about dry socket

[OpheIiaBaIIs]

I had a fractured, decayed upper left 7 molar out at the emergency dental clinic 16 days ago. Seemed to be healing ok - I had a long standing check up appointment with my usual dentist last Tuesday who confirmed this. On Monday though it started to feel a bit tender - I kept an eye on it and it hadn't improved by yesterday so today I've been back to the clinic, and I have a partial dry socket. I'm really upset because I did everything I was supposed to do and was told it was fine a week after the extraction, but here we are Also a bit bemused because I understood it was the most horrific pain in the world, and mine was just a bit tender if touched! Also I thought that after almost two weeks the risk would have passed.

Anyway it's been packed but now I'm worried it'll mean I can't eat roast potatoes on Christmas Day ruin Christmas.

If you've had this, can you tell me whether it healed ok after it was packed? Also, did it need re-packing? What was your pain like after it was treated? And (most importantly given all the money I've spent on once a year treats) could you eat/drink normally?

Had a pretty crap year all in all and Christmas was meant to be a glittery high point, not marred by tooth woes!

Thanks all

beach before Christmas everyone wants to get things checked.

If everyone comes and just sits and waits then it's really hidiously stressful. You've got no opportunity to triage patients, some will just need some reassurance over the phone for example, and a list of your own patients to see. I would always squeeze in patients with post operative complications however it's much easier if I have some advance warning and can get them in at a good time. Or I might tell you to come sit and wait but at least I know who's coming and what I will have to find time for.

I had dry socket some years ago. All I can really remember about it was the pain and that side of my face was very tender.

I ended up having two weeks antibiotics to clear it up.

On my way to the hospital now. They're fitting me in between other patients and they've warned me I might have a wait of several hours but I don't mind as long as I'm seen. I've had to go straight from Tesco where we were doing the Christmas food shop so haven't been able to clean my teeth first, so embarrassing!

@BlueCornsihPixie I tried to take a pic but it's in such an awkward place it's impossible. This morning it's bleeding (oozing not gushing) and I feel nauseous and out of sorts, but that could be because of the codeine I've been taking - I haven't had any today to give my stomach a break.

Hopefully it will be sorted out pronto. But I will warn you not to get your hopes up for the 25th, as neither antibiotics or treatment will work immediately.

Just prepare to have a slightly quieter Christmas if you can.

Hope you get it sorted

Sounds like it's been a right nightmare. Don't worry, a suprisingly small amount of people brush their teeth before going to the dentist

It's not infected! Oh joy of joys, the relief. No nasty antibiotics for Christmas! I had a steroid injection in September for my RA so there was always more of a risk (I was told to be extra vigilant), and the dentist said I absolutely did the right thing going in. It's very inflamed and the packing needed changing which accounted for the nasty taste and pain. But other than that it's ok and when he took the old packing out he was satisfied with how the socket was filling in under it. I have to up my salt water rinses to 5 a day from today is all.

Thank you everyone for being so lovely and helpful, especially you @BlueCornsihPixie. The reassurance you've given has been invaluable and I can't thank you enough, your patients are very lucky to have you as their dentist. Hopefully I won't need to bother you again!

Oh and I've got the green light for roasties on Christmas Day

HURRAH! Really pleased OP, enjoy your festive feast!

I'm so pleased for you!

Now go and enjoy your Christmas! I can't imagine a roastie free Christmas day

@OpheIiaBaIIs how were your roasties?