*Gross picture warning* site of tooth extraction

[BeachRide]

Apologies for gross picture.

Any dentists/dental nurses around?

Three weeks ago, I had two teeth out and the site now looks like this. Not terrifically painful, just swollen and obviously can't eat on that side.

I'm going to try and get an appointment to see someone tomorrow. Maybe antibiotics required? Or a shard of tooth left in the wound?

Jeez, poor you. Are you rinsing with salt water? I’m not a dentist but think if it was infected it would hurt and throb. Maybe go and see a pharmacist for advice, they are quite good at spotting infections.

In general it takes 6 weeks for the gums to heal and 6 months for the bone to finish healing after an extraction.
I would fully expect it still to be sore after eating. I presume you are not wearing a denture at the moment.
To me it does to look like any tooth retained or infected but obviously a dentist who can see you will be better placed to say.
If you are wearing an immediate denture as the gums heal the dentures will probably need repeated easing/adjusting .

Thank you both. I am rinsing with salt water, and I agree it would be really painful if infected. No dentures (yet!). I may give it a bit longer then, before trying to see the dentist again.

Dentists usually good about seeing people after extractions. So give them a ring. At 3weeks I had no discomfort from extraction sites. I didn't look at it though!

You could get some corsodyl gel to rub around the wound. That's from a pharmacy, so you may as well show them and speak to them about it briefly while you're there. I think it would be sore if infected. But corsodyl or chlorhexidine mouthwash are great for after dental surgery or infection. If it doesn't seem better in a few days/ a week just pop back to dentists for a checkup.

It's hard to see, but doesn't look bad for 3 weeks to me. I think it took a few months at least for mine to really settle

Just to update - a shard of broken tooth emerged, followed by some blood and pus. The swelling is going down now, and it feels much better. Phew!