Will smoking after 24 hours of extraction lead to a dry socket?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had my lower back tooth pulled out three days back. It took a lot of effort to pull it out, as it was not loose. I have a little pain in that area and my jaw, and I am terrified that I am getting a dry socket. I am a smoker, and I waited for 24 hours before I smoked after the extraction. I also slightly rinsed my mouth with salt water after I smoked. I have been taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen, which I bought after a neck injury, and it seems to help with this pain also. Would I know if I have a dry socket? Would the pain be unbearable?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems like a dry socket, but wait for a week, for it to heal. Also, if the pain exceeds more than seven days, then visit a dentist and get an X-ray done. Until then, follow the prescribed medications and quit smoking, as it is not a good habit. Drink lots of water, and if the painkiller is not working, then use a clove to soothe the area. I suggest using Ketorolac, twice a day after meals. Do not speak much and massage the facial muscles slowly in a circular motion, it may help. If any of this does not work, then there might be a broken piece of the tooth left behind, which is causing the pain. You need an X-ray to confirm it.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.