Hi Jan,

I have never known of any dentist packing an extraction sight repetitively for several weeks post op unless there was a specific reason to do so. In fact, some oral surgeons do not even pack a dry socket unless it is very severe because the packing can interrupt the healing. I wonder what he is packing it with and what his reasoning is for doing that for such a long period of time? Tooth sockets always heal from the bottom up even if the gum tissue closes. In fact, the gum tissue closes over (the hole gives the appearance that it is slowly growing smaller) fairly quickly in people who have no post op complications. So I'm puzzled as to the reasoning he gives you. Do you recall having a taste or smell of cloves after he packs the site?

Just to give you a simple description ..... The extraction site is similar to a deep cut on a limb that has reached the bone. Everything is done to clean the wound and then help the wound close because the closed skin protects the inside of the wound from bacteria, etc. The visible cut in the skin is superficial compared to the depth of the actual wound. The only time a deep wound is repetitively packed or left open is when it needs to drain. Otherwise it's best to close it up.

He must have specific reasons for following this protocol with you. Maybe he's using something that has healing properties because regular packing paste does not. That's why I am puzzled as to why he's telling you the sites are fine, but then continues to pack them. I don't mean to keep harping on this. I just want you to heal okay and I'm curious what he's using as it may be something that promotes healing.

Bryanna




QUOTE=JG1993;1187012]Hi Bryanna,

I will check with my insurance company and with the receptionist to make sure he isn't charging me each visit. He said the socket needs to be repacked until I am at "zero pain. not even a point one." that's what he keeps repeating and that's why I still have the sockets packed. Most of today my top site has been fine, I've come to notice it IS actually the sinus above that is causing the pressure/quite mild pain. Not sure what this means.

He said the reason for aggressively keeping the socket open after the packing comes out is to "let it heal from the bottom up and not close over from the top. Apparently if it closes over from the top I could get an abscess. So there fore, he would like me to push my gums apart for 6 weeks until it heals from the bottom. Seems like such a long time He said he gives the same instructions to every patient. I'm feeling confused about his care, but I feel I'm so close to being done, that I just want it over with.

Thank you again,

Jan[/QUOTE]