2 weeks post extraction, need advice

[ilovetea]

Hi,

Really hoping someone can help me. I had my top left number 14 tooth (I think after googling) removed 2 weeks ago.

It was a huge tooth (3 roots) and the hole seems very deep. I’ve been really careful with healing, eating soft foods, salt water rinse after each meal. Taking antibiotics, vitamins and generally resting as I felt quite unwell afterwards. I had no real pain though.

However since Friday afternoon I’ve had quite bad pain which I couldn’t pin point where from. I got fed up with it yesterday and with a mirror and a torch I realised there was a tiny piece of herb in the socket. I removed it with rinses and a gentle brush…hoping that was ok. The pain went away. So I was pleased.

However, I’ve woken up this morning with jaw pain (possibly from clenching) and now the pain is back though it seems to be the tooth or maybe even the gum next to the extraction site (teeth 15/16).

Is it irritation from the food that was stuck? Have I been brushing my teeth too hard? The pain comes in waves if that’s any help but it’s awful and makes the entire side of my face hurt. I can deal with pain so long as I know things are getting better but I’m so worried it’s not. Because it’s the weekend I haven’t been able to call the dentist I also really don’t want to go back if I don’t have to. He’s not the most gentle person and I’m so worried about everything I’ve been googling non-stop and I’m not sure that’s wise. Just so scared of infection.

Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you

 

[ilovetea]

So the pain has gotten so bad I had to call nhs 111 to try and get an emergency appointment but they were fully booked.

I’ve been told it could be dry socket which I was so afraid of. I was so careful with the healing and took antibiotics even though they made me unwell.

Now I have to try and get an emergency appointment at my dentist as soon as they open tomorrow…will they see me as it’s an emergency? I’m worried they’ll say they’re booked up. I’m in so much pain and it’s getting worse throughout the day

 

[Gordon]

Bit late now, how did you get on?

 

[ilovetea]

Hi,

Thanks for checking in, I appreciate it.

I got an emergency appointment. The tooth socket is healing very well, my other teeth are fine and my gums are healthy too. Which is good news however I’m still in such pain. My dentist couldn’t find anything wrong in my mouth that could be causing such pain. He’s prescribed more antibiotics (and different ones as I had a reaction to the previous amoxicillin)…azithromycin and metronidazole for five days.

I’ve just gotten home and am reading the leaflets in the boxes and making sure what to do and not do or take with.

Wondering now if it’s to do with my sinuses…which I’m hoping will clear up with this new course. Trying not to visit Dr Google too much as it makes me feel worse

Thank you again for checking in on me

 

[Gordon]

Try to make sure you take the Metronidazole on a full stomach and don't take any alcohol when you're taking them. It's quite an effective antibiotic for dental bacteria but it's a bit harsh on your stomach.

 

[ilovetea]

Absolutely, am taking them with my three meals a day and plenty of water. I’ve had pain today but not to the levels of the weekend so even though it’s only early days I’m really hoping I’m on the mend. Thank you for your advice

 

[ilovetea]

In fact I’d say the pain has been more of an ache and pressure today. So possibly my sinuses thanks again.

 

[ilovetea]

I think I spoke too soon. The pain came back almost as bad as the weekend.

It’s like a burning throbbing pain with pressure. I did a salt water rinse and it really set it off so I drank regular water and that was setting it off also. It feels like the same area as before (in between teeth 15/16). Also now my number 13 tooth (which has a crown on it) is very sensitive when eating or if I tap it. But it was fine yesterday at the dentist when he did that. There is also pressure there.

Should I stop doing a salt water rinse and see if that stops setting the pain off? I’m still so afraid of infection. I was feeling so positive but now I’m miserable again. Especially with it getting nearer Xmas and I know it’ll be harder to get an appointment if things get even worse

 

[Gordon]

I don't see any benefit to the salt water, so you may as well stop them. "Infection" isn't really an issue with dental sockets, the bacteria are very delicate and don't do well outside of the local environment.

 

[ilovetea]

Thank you again for responding to me and my worries. I feel a bit better today and a bit more positive. I’m 75% sure it’s sinus pressure that is causing the pain so the antibiotics should be kicking butt soon enough. I managed to get out of the house today for some fresh air which really helped me feel less miserable. I’ve laid off the salt water rinsing and have had less pain all in all