Tooth extraction still hurting & swollen on day 9?

[Captainh0wdy]

I’m on day 8 (nearly day 9) since my molar extraction. The pain and swelling has plateaued since day 5- not getting worse but not getting better, either. The roof of my mouth is swollen where I’ve circled (you can’t really tell on the pic but it is bulging) and the pain is a dull ache and sore constantly. It’s not horrific, but it’s enough to make me not want to talk or eat much. I’ve done salt rinses multiple times a day, every day. The dentist saw me on day 5 and said it wasn’t infected or dry socket. He just said it was a difficult extraction and might take longer. But there’s no improvement at all- like I said it has plateaued. Is this normal? Ibruprofen helps but I don’t want to be taking tablets forever!

Hi OP

I think you can either continue the salt rinses at the same frequency for a few more days, or maybe go back again to ask the dentist to check again.

The only time I had that bulging in the roof of the mouth was after a root canal and there was an infection. The bulge was infected matter looking for a way out because the tooth had been sealed. It had to be unsealed and drained.

Don’t say this to alarm you, but I know how sometimes we’re reluctant to go back to the doctor/dentist because we feel like we’re making a fuss, when really we need to.