Reassurance after molar extraction and worries about developing dry socket

[Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair]

After 8days of a horrendous infection/ tooth abcess and antibiotics, I finally had my left first bottom molar removed.

The procedure went fine, the dentist didn't pack the holes etc or anything and I'm petrified of getting dry socket.
And some bone came off attached to the tooth!

I had to have a drink of water around two hours after the procedure to take my cocodamol and I have managed soup & ice cream.

I'm just petrified if dry socket, I hear so, so many horrible stories..
Please can I have some positive stories or examples

Keep in mind dental extractions are really, really common.

Yes, when you look for stories you get the dry socket ones. Because someone with a dry socket will do almost anything to distract themselves from the pain. People without issues will have moved on with the rest of their lives.

I've had several molars removed. I've never had any issues at all. I'm sure it will be fine.

As a child I had a tooth pulled and I can assure you I did everything absolutely wrong and all the things you’re not meant to. Even I didn’t get dry socket. So you’re more likely to be fine

I am a dentist and have taken lots of teeth out over the years, really not many return with problems, and don’t worry about the bit of bone, the alveolar crest is a very thin layer of bone that sits up round the tooth and sometimes little bits do come away with the tooth, if your dentist was concerned they would have kept you longer or wanted you back for review I should think. Keep treating it gently, start the warm salty water tomorrow to just gentle bathe the area ie just hold the water there for a bit, not swish about as you could disturb the clot. Hope it heals well.

My husband had one out as an emergency last year (£300!) and he did not follow the instructions at all despite me stressing about this happening and it didn't happen to him. It's very unlikely. Still, follow the instructions!

I have had dry socket twice. It was bad I’m not going to lie but no worse than bad toothache and it went away. My dentist said some people are more prone to it so chances are you will be fine.

I have just taken tonight naproxen now the 3pm anesthetic has worn off.
Thank you we everyone, these have helped. I'm going to try and not obsess over looking at the tooth now too xx

You'd know if you've got dry socket it's agony.

But just salt water rinse after food for about a week. I'm sure you'll be fine.

I had LL7 removed 3 months ago and I'm only just getting used to eating on that side again. That's the annoying part they don't really prepare you for. You have to train your tongue not to sweep food out of the hole.

But for now do avoid that side. Just try and start using it a bit sooner than 3 months! I look like I had buccal fat removal that went wrong as there's a dimple there. I have quite a skinny face with prominent cheek bones so it looks worse!
So that's the only downside I experienced.

I had to have a molar out over a week ago, whilst waiting for my appointment I’ve had 3 infections. The last one didn’t respond to amoxicillin, so now on something stronger. No dry socket, but very sore and painful still. I have Naproxen but find aspirin and paracetamol just as effective.

Toothache is absolutely bloody miserable. I’m not a mardy bum, I just get on with it. Even after our horse booted me and broke my arm I just got on with it, back at the stables after a few days with a pot on. I laid in bed the other night and was a little dramatic by saying to my husband that I was dying. What’s made it worse is all the pain and infection has triggered off a flare up with my M.S, gutted, I’d been doing so well, back to feeling like shit again, 😵‍💫

Thank you all, the pain has subsided a bit today (thanks naproxen) but now I am obsessively checking the gap/would. I can't see a deep red clot only sort of specs of dark red. I have managed some ice creams and protein shake. Had some me soup last night but it turn out quite bitty so had to give it up.

I know it's only a tooth extraction but having HA you constantly think the worst! Xx