2 days post extraction - gum still inflamed (as it was before extraction)

[Clarabelle17]

Hi - I have been battling a phobia of an extraction for quite a while, (upper first molar which had been root canal filled), it kept flaring up on and off for a while. I had an abscess with pain (no swelling) just before Christmas, Penicillin cleared it up, then it flared up again, this time with swelling, but no pain - I got more antibiotics but swelling remained. Dentist said the antibiotics were a short term fix, and it was probably best to have it removed, as we had gone down all avenues. So I finally had it extracted 2 days ago, battling the nerves.

The gap (as I expected) is still sore, and feels "massive", but the swelling in the top of the gum that I had before the extraction, is still there. Is this "normal"? Somehow, I thought that once the tooth was out the previous swelling would automatically go down. Also, I keep catching my tongue on that side, feels like my jaw is out of line, this started when I got the abscess, before the extraction, so my tongue is really sore. Will this improve when the swelling goes, and is that likely soon?

Also, I haven't rinsed with salt water yet. Should I do this now, and would something like Corsodyl mouthwash be helpful?

 

[Gordon]

Sounds fairly normal.

Do NOT use Corsodyl at this stage. Warm salt water is fine and won't do any harm.

 

[Clarabelle17]

@Gordon Thank you - and for the advice on Corsodyl! What is Corsodyl helpful for? How long before improvement in swelling with extractions please? I have nothing to gauge it against, as the last extraction I had was when I was about ten - am now over 65.

 

[Gordon]

Corsodyl is good for chronic gum issues as an adjunct to treatment. It can help with mouth ulcers and some soft tissue problems.

The issue with using it immediately post-extraction is that some people are allergic to Chlorhexidine (the active ingredient) and getting that in close contact with an open boney wound can cause major allergic reactions, including 2 deaths that I'm aware of...

I'd expect peak swelling in 24-48 hrs, starting to go down after that.