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Original poster

Help with dry socket!

15 replies

greyyellowblue · 08/04/2022 19:49

I had a really difficult extraction this week. Been extremely traumatic to my face in general. I've tried to look after the extraction site well - soft foods, saltwater washes, keeping my mouth really clean etc. Started hurting more and dentist said it was dry socket.

They've cleaned it out and given me antibiotics. It's actually hurting more as a result. I don't actually know how the dry socket heals from now, or whether I should do anything different?

Please tell me if you had dry socket what you did or didn't do to help and how long it was until things improved? I've never had a tooth out and this is freaking me out a bit.

Many thanks.

OP posts:
garlictwist · 08/04/2022 20:07

I've had it twice in the past year. It's awful! I'm afraid the only thing that cured it was time. I did also go back to the dentist and have it packed with this clove stuff, but that doesn't speed healing, it's just meant to relieve the pain. It did a bit but it falls out after a day or so.

The first time I was in pain for around a week but the second time it got better overnight after about 5 days.

There's not much you can do, I'm afraid. The pain is caused by the bone being exposed and the only thing that stops the pain is the gum healing over it.

Original poster
greyyellowblue · 08/04/2022 20:14

Thank you. That's actually really reassuring that it just takes time and not anything special. And that it does actually heal on its own - I feel like if forgot to ask many questions when I was in there!

OP posts:
ManifestingMaureen · 08/04/2022 20:23

You will need to go back to the dentist and have it packed, as the whole time it's open it won't heal, it's literally exposing the bone. Buy some clove oil for the interim, it's very good stuff and acts like an anaesthetic. Tastes foul though Confused

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muppamup · 08/04/2022 20:25

salt rinse? Also coconut oil pulling is a great idea- antibacterial and will help to clean it out without being painful. Swill coconut oil around mouth for a few mins, spit and rinse.

MrsMistofolees · 08/04/2022 20:26

I had it a few months ago like garlictwist, the dentist packed the wound site with the clove stuff, which did relieve it somewhat. Other than that, the only thing that helped me was taking paracetomol every 4 hours.
I found it really painful for a few days. Hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
greyyellowblue · 08/04/2022 20:28

@ManifestingMaureen

You will need to go back to the dentist and have it packed, as the whole time it's open it won't heal, it's literally exposing the bone. Buy some clove oil for the interim, it's very good stuff and acts like an anaesthetic. Tastes foul though Confused
I've been today and they didn't pack it - they cleaned it out though.
OP posts:
Original poster
greyyellowblue · 08/04/2022 20:29

If the wound gets packed - how long does it last? How do you eat or drink with packing in?

OP posts:
cmj7397 · 08/04/2022 20:34

i’m really surprised they didn’t pack it. the packing is amazing and stayed in for about a week for me. it was the only thing that helped as the pain from dry socket was excruciating

RoonilWazlib21 · 08/04/2022 20:52

I've had dry socket 7 times (only have 8 bottom teeth left) and would have gladly put my head under a passing lorry just to escape the pain. The dentist should have packed it for you it tastes disgusting but the relief is amazing. Apart from that decent painkillers and time. Hope you feel better soon.

ManifestingMaureen · 08/04/2022 22:11

@cmj7397

i’m really surprised they didn’t pack it. the packing is amazing and stayed in for about a week for me. it was the only thing that helped as the pain from dry socket was excruciating
Me too. The dentist said it had to be packed or it wouldn't heal. As soon as that was done the relief was almost instant. The clove oil coupled with codeine was the only thing that made it bearable.
redfairy · 08/04/2022 23:39

Packing was the only thing that relieved mine. I was also told to use soluble painkillers in warm water and hold in it my mouth over the cavity. Never known pain like it. I feel for you.

NotAScoobyToBeSeen · 08/04/2022 23:40

The packing relieves the pain almost as soon as theyve put it in, I would go back and ask for it

Original poster
greyyellowblue · 09/04/2022 07:45

He said I was developing dry socket so cleaned it all out and made sure it was bleeding again so it would create new blood clots (I think). It hurts but it's not agony or anything. I'll go back Monday if the pain gets worse though. It's back upper tooth so quite hard to see whats going on in there.

OP posts:
GeneLovesJezebel · 09/04/2022 07:47

Do not use a straw or water bottle, it was sucking on a straw that caused this in my DD.
Unfortunately it took a couple of weeks to stop hurting.

ManifestingMaureen · 09/04/2022 08:45

@greyyellowblue

He said I was developing dry socket so cleaned it all out and made sure it was bleeding again so it would create new blood clots (I think). It hurts but it's not agony or anything. I'll go back Monday if the pain gets worse though. It's back upper tooth so quite hard to see whats going on in there.
In this case- do not swish/swirl or rinse your mouth out as this can cause any new clots to be washed out. Just hold any salt wash or similar on the area. No straws or smoking as PP said as this can cause the clot to be sucked out.
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