I had a tooth removed 3 days ago and i have concerns over whether its healing properly.

[benarthurs94]

As the title says. I had a nuisance tooth removed 3 days ago, on Thursday.
There is a rather foul smell and taste which keeps coming from the extraction site, and it does bleed rather easily. There is a white-ish substance over the site of the extraction area now which I'm unsure if it's just white blood cells scabbing or if it's food.

I have been using salt water mouth wash after I eat to reduce any bacteria but the smell and dull ache persists.

Does this look and sound normal?

Photo attached. Thanks.

 

[Dr M]

It might be a dry socket. This is more common in the lower jaw and usually becomes an issue 3-5 days after an extraction. It is accompanied by a foul taste and smell and also pain. I would go back to the dentist, so that the socket can be rinsed out.

 

[benarthurs94]

Isn't dry socket usually accompanied by excruciating pain? Of which there is none.

 

[Dr M]

Depends on your pain tolerance level. A dry socket is a self limiting disease. If the pain is bearable, you can leave the site alone and allow normal healing to take place

 

[benarthurs94]

I see. Okay thank you.