Post Extraction Wisdom Tooth Issues (pain/medicine pack)

[goldeneye]

Hi all.

I had my lower right wisdom tooth out about 6-7 days ago on Thursday of this month.

The tooth was old and a bit infected, but the procedure went smoothly, and I was stitched up and was given 7 days worth of antibiotics and pain meds. 3 days later I went back for a post-op and the doc said everything is healing fine. I was told I didn't need to rinse and I could eat almost anything at that point (within reason) even though I've personally sticking to easy foods. I was scheduled to get my stitches out 6-7 days later (today/tomorrow).

Today is Wednesday. For the past day or so, I've been experiencing some slightly throbbing/achey pain in my jaw, side of head, occasionally in my ear, and occasionally in my front teeth. I don't think the pain gets above a 4 or 5 on a 1-10 scale, but it's there. *Sometimes* the pain meds help (Fluribuprofin), but not always. Pain was occasionally worse if I bend over. Last night it was most noticeable, but I was able to easily fall asleep and get a solid 8 hours. During the night I tasted a funny taste for an instant, but it went away.

I guess my question is - what is this? Is it the dreaded dry socket?

I'm supposed to see my doc today or tomorrow, but I just wanted to ask because I'm usually pretty nervous about this stuff!

 

[goldeneye]

Re: Some pain in jaw and ear after wisdom tooth extraction/worried?

Update:

I went to my dentist/surgeon today. I told him about the symptoms I've been having, and that they actually lessened today (Wednesday).

He removed the stitches--which actually stung(!). Then, he asked how I felt, and I told him mild referred pain. He then put in a medicine pack thing. He told me I DID NOT have dry socket, he was doing this to prevent anything from developing. Not going to lie: It hurt quite a bit(!) when he stuck it in there, but so far I've had no referred pain.

I was told to call tomorrow morning to let him know how I felt because he would be out of town after Thursday for a couple of days. If I feel OK then I'm supposed to leave it in. If I feel any pain, he's going to have me come in.

Is this medicine supposed to hurt going in? Does the thing hurt when it comes out? If I'm OK, I'm told to leave the pack in until Monday since he won't be in - is it ok to be in that long? Any insight on this situation? Should I be concerned?

Anything to ease my mind would be appreciated I've known this doctor for over 25 years and he's one of the best in the area, but it still doesn't stop me from worrying! Thanks.