Normal or Dry Socket?

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arikbraeden@yahoo.com - 04 Sep 2006 12:03 GMT

I had an extraction on my number 15 instead of a root canal. Prior to
the extraction I had no pain or dicomfort w/ the tooth other than mild
sensitivity to cold liquids sometimes. Three days later, I'm feeling
discomfort (more in the sense of soreness than pain) and I'm wondering
if I'm in good condition. I've repeatedly heard that if the hole is
empty and you can see bone then you have dry socket. Well, the hole is
not empty and I can not see bone. Actually it's filled w/ what I
believe is puss (white, green, black discoloration). I'm assuming that
is not normal or good, but would like to know if it is an infection or
a stage of dry socket? I've heard that if I see puss then it's healing.
Is that true? I'd really appreciate some feedback! Thanks.

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C.J. Thomas - 04 Sep 2006 14:59 GMT

Dry sockets do not occur as frequently in upper teeth as they do lower
teeth. I would give it a few more days...keep taking ibuprofen as needed
and call your doctor if the symptoms to not start to feel better by
Thursday. Soreness is common...after all, you just had a tooth extracted.

:-) An infection after an extraction is pretty rare, unless you are

immunodeficient (poorly controlled diabetic, undergoing chemotherapy, etc).
The only real concern with upper molar extractions has to do with a
communication with the sinus cavity. If this occurs, it is usually a very
minor perforation that will more than likely heal up on its own. You may
also want to try a decongestant to see if it helps at all. Another
possibility is a piece of bone is trying to make its way out of your
gums...could be pretty uncomfortable. Give it a few more days...

>I had an extraction on my number 15 instead of a root canal. Prior to
> the extraction I had no pain or dicomfort w/ the tooth other than mild
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> a stage of dry socket? I've heard that if I see puss then it's healing.
> Is that true? I'd really appreciate some feedback! Thanks.

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