Tooth Extraction

[July27]

Hey. I’m booked in for tomorrow 1pm to have my upper right molar removed. I’m sooo scared of getting dry socket just heard the worst stories about it 😭. Also I read that being on the combined pill increases the risk so double worried now. Please someone reassure me lol I’m also scared of the whole tooth removal process. Thanks.

I’m a nervous patient and it was fine. Very quick. Less likely to get dry socket with uppers
don't use a straw and sneeze with your mouth open! I’ve had dry socket on every tooth extraction and whilst it’s painful it’s not the worst pain I’ve had, maybe a 4/10

Thank you for the advice. That’s what I’m wondering how bad is the pain cause my tooth that needs to be removed has given me such bad pain before and I’m just wondering could it be any worse 🤷🏻‍♀️

Don't be tempted to poke the empty socket with your tongue. If your dentist tells you to rinse with salt water, don't swill too hard, just let the liquid pour gently over the site. Don't smoke or use a straw. Be careful when cleaning your other teeth. Good luck, you'll be fine! The actual procedure is not bad at all, you won't feel any pain. It's surprising how soon the hole closes up too.

Thank you, I’m hoping it is the case for me too.

Does anyone think it would be good for me to apply a numbing gel myself before I go in such as orajel? I just really wanna make sure I’m numb as I also have two filling that need to be done and hate how they feel too.

No, ask them for numbing gel. They often use it for children. Tell them you’re nervous about being numb enough

Dry socket only occurs when the clot removes itself before it’s ready, exposing the nerves and bone. You just need to be super careful. Nothing with suction that could dislodge it like sucking a straw or a vape etc. Eat liquid/soft food and if you use a salt water rinse then move it very gently around the mouth, don’t swish too hard!

Stitches will also massively reduce the likelihood of dry socket but not sure if this is something that’s routinely done. Basically there are lots of ways you can minimise the chances of this happening and even if it does, a dentist can repack the area and give good pain relief.

No don’t do anything yourself before the appointment

I’ve had dry socket once (using a straw) it’s not pleasant but isn’t that bad. Don’t use a straw and just swish with salt water

I had an upper wisdom tooth out and was terrified of dry socket but it didnt happen but I was extremely careful. She said not to brush my teeth that evening then do salt wash which I just rolled over the site moving my head and dribbled out not spitting! Tooth brushing was again extra careful and no spitting. Was annoying but paid off and chewed on the normal side only.

Sipped drinks carefully and slowly and had no issues with the extracted area. I had to have the numbing re done during the extraction but it was a wisdom tooth so took a while but felt nothing and took paracetamol once as no pain after.

Good luck.

Having a tooth out is very quick and easy. I had a wisdom tooth removed after getting an abscess, I was so happy to get rid of it. No pain involved and no dry socket.

I always take paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before I go just to be certain I won't feel anything.

Goid luck, you will be absolutely fine and very relieved when it's done!

Lowers can be awful, uppers fine!

It'll all be over soon and the stupid tooth will never cause you problems again

Your risk of dry socket is lower as it's an upper tooth - the bottom ones are higher risk.

Just be careful and stick to soft foods, don't use straws/smoke/do any sucking motions, and avoid the temptations to feel the wound with your tongue.

I've had dry socket before and while it's not pleasant it's nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be based on what I read. Painkillers did work so at most I was in pain for 30 mins waiting for them to kick in.

Hi op im booked in tomorrow at the dentist at a 11,40 am, for a tooth extraction,well 4 teeth are coming out.

I myself hate it, but i tell myself you are in good hands they know what they are doing, you will be out of pain.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I’ll take your advice and hopefully it’s all a smooth process ☺️

Hey I hope it all goes well for you today!

I recently had 6 upper extractions in preparation for dentures, not the best experience of my life but avoided dry socket in all by being strict about all the advice others have given you here, especially not using straws, not messing with the wounds, etc. I survived! Good luck today

I’ve had several extractions and have complex autoimmune issues and never had any problems. Dry socket is fairly rare. Just don’t drink using a straw as it can dislodge the clot. Follow the instructions post extraction etc. Hopefully you’ll be fine.

I used a calpol syringe to dribble salt water over the gap (not directly into the gap, aimed at the gum above and let it run down). Mine was an upper molar too. My extraction wasn't straightforward but recovery was and although I was exhausted on the day, I felt so relieved it was gone.

I ate nothing but soup for about three days!

I've had dry socket too, and it's honestly not as bad as I'd read (on MN!) . Dentist packed it daily until it healed . Agree with all the advice from others. Your Dentist will tell you how to look after your mouth following extraction and the thing it's better out than in 🙂.

Im trying to stay calm lol.
I'll be back with an update.

Aww me too 😅 okay will update myself too soon

Hey @Planting how did you get on? Hope it went well for you. I’m sat waiting to go in for mine so nervous 😬

Ive just got home i had to travel to my dentist as its in a different town, but home now.

It went well im still numb but no pain.
Nervous was not the word but I kept somewhat okay, I go back in September.

No straws, no smoking, no alcohol (however much you need one!) and no very hot drinks. Do that for 7 days and then the socket will have healed enough that you don't need to worry about losing the clot anymore.

Uppers don't get dry socket as often as lowers, funnily enough so you should be fine if you take precautions. Clean the teeth on either side of it with a wet cotton bud dipped in toothpaste.

Hi everyone just an update, the tooth has been removed finally and I’ve had 3/4 fillings can’t remember if it was 3 or 4 but I’m so glad it’s over with. I’m so numb right now and my lips feel so dry. I’m not looking forward to the pain afterwards but hopefully should be manageable.