How to manage dry socket pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 16 years old, 6 feet 1 inch in height, and weigh 225 pounds. I just got my wisdom teeth removed, and I did not experience much swelling or pain, but I did have a bleeding issue at the lower left wisdom tooth extraction site. After that, I ate normally and felt fine, only taking Advil (Ibuprofen) and not using the prescribed painkillers.

On day four of recovery, I had slight discomfort at the lower left extraction site. On day five, the discomfort increased, but it was off and on, more of an achy feeling. Later in the day, I got this awful taste in my mouth, like metal or acid. I then used the syringe the doctor gave me to rinse the extraction site, and a large white piece of debris came out. It looked like it was shaped perfectly for the socket, and the top was a little harder and had a slightly dirty color.

Could this be food?

I am not sure. Now that the debris or blood clot has fallen out and been rinsed away, I am feeling a much stronger ache in my neighboring molar and some light pain in my lower jaw. The achy feeling is still there, along with the bad metal or acid taste. I am currently only taking three Advil when needed, on antibiotics three times daily, and using a prescription mouth rinse.

Is this normal, or should I be concerned about anything?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

These are clear symptoms of an infected socket, which is a major postoperative complication.

I understand that you are taking Advil (Ibuprofen), but painkillers alone will not prevent dry socket. I need to know exactly which antibiotic you have been prescribed because it is already day four or five, and it is time for some adjustments to your antibiotic course. Please let me know the dosage and name of the antibiotic you are currently taking so I can amend and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

I suggest you continue using the prescribed mouth rinse, and alternatively, you can use either a 0.12% Chlorhexidine mouth rinse or a 2% Betadine mouth gargle twice a day. Avoid applying force while brushing any area of your teeth. Additionally, rinse with lukewarm saltwater five to seven times a day to help prevent bacterial contamination in the socket.

The pain and the blood clot issues suggest that the problem may be getting worse, but do not worry. First, do a 2% Betadine gargle or Chlorhexidine mouth rinse. Most importantly, please let me know the name of the antibiotic you are taking so I can adjust your prescription accordingly. I will also provide you with a gel to apply during the day to prevent dry socket, based on what you are currently taking.

I will suggest several strategies to manage this. A 50-hour chat session would be convenient for ongoing monitoring and addressing any concerns you may have, but you can also continue chatting here with me. Please let me know the name of the antibiotic you are on.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.