Hello,

Yes, I fully understand that. That has been a big reason why I've been questioning the frequency and duration of the packing process. The packing in mine have not fallen out at all, I think he packs it quite deep inside the socket and it stays in even when I eat. I really have no idea what to do, I will wait until Tuesday and have all the packing removed then hope for the best and let my body heal naturally - I hope. The top extraction site has been feeling strange as today has gone on and it hurts. I do not want to consult the oral surgeon about this as I really do not want him to put any packing in it and call it a "maybe dry socket" and I have a feeling that is exactly what he would do. I wonder if I should go to my regular dentist and have them take a look at it? I'm scared he disrupted the natural healing that was taking place up there when he packed it and now I'm worried about an infection.

I will ask him next time I go in what he was using to pack the sockets, although once it's all out it wont really matter, will it? I have one other question... he has told me to use the syringe to flush out the sockets once the packing has been removed for good. I understand this is common practise.. but he also wants me to use the syringe to push the gum apart - pry it really... for 6 weeks so it can heal from the bottom up and not close over from the top... is this normal? Is it really normal to PUSH my gums apart and not let them close to prevent an abscess?!

Thanks a lot for your correspondence with me!

Jan