Infections often occur within 1-2 days after the extraction, but in some cases, it sets in much later. You may not experience signs of infection until 3-4 weeks after the procedure.
If you see white or yellow pus in your socket after the extraction, you should call your dentist as this is a sign of infection. You should also look for out these signs of infection: Worsening bleeding, pain and swelling for two to three days following your procedure.
Your dentist will drain the infection, if possible, to speed up the healing process and then prescribe an antibiotic. An infected socket after tooth extraction is commonly mistaken for a dry socket, which is the result of your tooth socket being empty and having raw bone exposed.
After tooth extraction, you should develop a blood clot in the socket (hole) that's left behind. It'll look like a dark-colored scab. But if you have a dry socket, the clot will be absent and you'll be able to see bone. For this reason, dry sockets usually appear white.
Most infections will present within a few days after the tooth extraction. There are, however, some infections that can occur as late as 3-4 weeks after the procedure. Continue to pay close attention to your mouth and overall health to watch for signs that something could be wrong.
After about 3 days, the empty tooth socket will have mostly healed. There should be no more bleeding present, and swelling should be minimal at this point. You may still experience some tenderness or soreness, but you should no longer feel pain or discomfort.
Having pain after your surgery is expected and common. Pain may last up to two weeks after surgery. It is highly recommended to take two Advil or Motrin immediately when you get home. Keep the narcotic pain medications for bedtime.
After tooth extraction surgery, it's common to feel throbbing in the extraction area (known as the 'socket') as well as sensitivity. This is perfectly normal, and your dentist will likely prescribe some pain relief to help you minimise discomfort.
Dry sockets become increasingly painful in the days after a tooth extraction. They may also have exposed bone or tissue, or an unpleasant smell. By comparison, normal healing sockets get less painful over time and do not cause any other symptoms. A dry socket can be very painful, but it is not usually serious.
While it's normal to feel some discomfort after your anesthesia wears off, this should subside significantly a few days after your extraction. You can expect a full recovery within two weeks or less. Following your dentist's instructions and some general aftercare practices can help keep your mouth healthy as you heal.
7 to 21 days after surgery
Large tooth extractions, molars, and any impacted teeth will take the longest amount of time to heal.
– Day 4. This is the final tooth extraction healing process, happening around seven to ten days after the extraction. The hole in the socket has, in most cases, closed up, the swelling has completely gone away, and the patient can now resume eating solid foods 4 days after tooth extraction.
Penicillin antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are most commonly used to treat tooth infections. Clindamycin can be useful if you're allergic to or haven't had success with penicillin antibiotics.
Days 5-7: By now, most of the swelling, discoloration, and soreness should be minimal. If you were given antibiotics to prevent infection, be sure to finish the entire 7-day course.
Antibiotics given just before or just after surgery (or both) may reduce the risk of infection and dry socket after the removal of wisdom teeth by oral surgeons.
Most people feel mostly pain-free by the third or fourth day. Some swelling and soreness can continue throughout the first week. Throbbing pain during the first 24 hours after your extraction is likely just a sign that your body is healing.
Don't rinse for the first 24 hours, and this will help your mouth to start healing. After this time use a salt-water mouthwash, which helps to heal the socket. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area.
After a tooth extraction, you should develop a blood clot in the socket (hole) that's left behind. It'll look like a dark-colored scab. But if you have a dry socket, the clot will be absent and you'll be able to see bone. For this reason, dry sockets usually appear white.
The healing timeline can be delayed by the health of the tooth that was removed. If the tooth was infected than there is a possibility for gum disease or infection in the gum that may delay healing.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful dental condition that sometimes happens after you have a permanent adult tooth extracted. Dry socket is when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed.
After having a tooth extracted - especially molars - you may feel some pain and discomfort for around 3-7 days after it has been removed. However, if you still have intense pain near the area immediately after 5 days, book an appointment to see your dentist.