Is my tooth extraction infected or dry socket?

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I had my molar removed 2 days ago, was fine the first day but woke up early hours this morning in discomfort. Only have pain when I’m lying down, is that normal or do I need to worry? Thankyou.
 

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Dr M

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Good day,

A dry socket usually appears after days 3-4 post extraction and can become very painful.
But judging from your photo, it is also possible that the pain can be originating from one of the adjacent teeth to the socket. They look extremely carious. Just because they weren't painful before, doesn't mean you can't get a flare up at any stage.
I would make a follow up visit with your dentist, to have these teeth checked out as well.
 

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Good day,

A dry socket usually appears after days 3-4 post extraction and can become very painful.
But judging from your photo, it is also possible that the pain can be originating from one of the adjacent teeth to the socket. They look extremely carious. Just because they weren't painful before, doesn't mean you can't get a flare up at any stage.
I would make a follow up visit with your dentist, to have these teeth checked out as well.
 

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Thankyou for the reply, unfortunately I’m currently not with a dentist as I’m unemployed and no one in my area is taking on NHS patients, so I had to have this tooth removed through the 111 emergency service. So I don’t have a dentist to get it checked. I assume il have to just wait until I can be seen via NHS? Unless you can recommend something else ? The dentist did actually say I needed the two teeth on either side of the extraction also removed eventually. Many thanks
 

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Dr M

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Good day

Try and keep the area as clean as possible by rinsing with luke-warm salt water. If you notice an increase in pain and if a swelling begins to develop, it might be a good idea to go to your local clinic/hospital to at least get some antibiotics, if you can't get to a dentist.
If the pain doesn't increase and everything seems normal, at least try and make an appointment with a dentist as soon as it is possible for you. It is never a good idea to have severely rotten teeth in your mouth, since this can put pressure on your immune system, in a time where you might need it to combat Covid.
 

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Ok, thanks for the information. Once dentists can start seeing new patients again Il have to get the dental work I need done. It’s now day 5 and the site has definitely cleaned up, still not sure if I will have dry socket as the hole does look relatively empty, the gums are still soar and I am having to take 4-6 ibuprofen a day to ease the pain but I have no swelling or major pain, is it possible to get dry socket after 5 days ? And also, how long does dry socket roughly last? Thanks for your responses, been very helpful. Many thanks.
 

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I also have dental issues on the other side top and bottom, the main pain being the bottom. It’s only painfull if I eat on that side or when I lie down at night, just wondering if they would need to be extracted also or I could get them filled in?
 

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Dr M

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It is difficult to give an opinion on that without a proper x-ray to evaluate the extent of the decay. It is possible that they might be able to save the teeth with root canal treatments, but this should rather be discussed with your treating dentist. A full evaluation of your entire mouth is needed, since I would not consider certain treatments, if the rest of your mouth is in a poor condition.
 

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Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Could you tell me if I tooth extraction site looks normal ? It’s been almost 2 months now and it still hasn’t fully sealed up, is that normal ? Thanks.
 

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Dr M

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Good day

The area looks like it is healing nicely, but I am still worried about the teeth on opposite sides of the hole. These also need to be assessed, because if left untreated, it could also lead to abscess formation and eventual tooth loss.
 

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Thanks for the feedback, the only issue I have is I am currently unemployed and no dentists in my area are taking on NHS patients, do you recommend anything or is it just the waiting game ? Many thanks.
 

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Dr M

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You can try and keep the area as clean as possible, but the risk is high that those teeth can become infected, without proper treatment.
 

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Is it a option to ring 111 and get emergency treatment ? Fillings or tooth extraction ? Otherwise il have to wait until work picks back up due to covid and then get it done privately? Many thanks.
 

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