Is my extraction site healing normally?

[kristen62]

I had my lower left wisdom tooth pulled out on the 19th. Later that day a noticeable clot formed which then disappeared (within the next day). The inside of my cheek was a bit swollen because of stitching and there's this bad taste in my mouth (still slightly there) and a white patch (granulation tissue?) that seems to be growing. The hole remains to be dark and I'm very cautious of keeping the area clean. I haven't been in excruciating pain since the extraction but occasionally have throbbing and sharp pains in the area which occasionally shoot to my jaw, neighbouring teeth, cheekbones, ear, and occasionally head.

I've read enough forums to know that if I had a dry socket that I'd definitely know, but I can't help feel that my extraction site isn't healing properly. It just looks like a mess in the area. There's the white patch growing adjacent to the hole, the gums surrounding are slightly white (though that could be because I can't brush that area properly), the areas that are stitched look a bit swollen, and now the hole's slowly becoming covered by the neighbouring gums (I can't tell if it's a healing process or my gums are swollen). I'm a massive hypochondriac and I can't help think I've got some sort of infection going on or something. I'd upload a photo, but it's been near impossible to get a proper picture showing everything going on in my mouth lol. Any reassurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[D.Speed]

Sounds normal to me. I had a molar out 3 months ago and still in the process of healing. Enjoy the rest of Christmas.