Hi,

The extraction sites can take several weeks to a few of months to heal closed. This is dependent upon the individual case. Many factor can speed up or slow down the healing process.

You had surgery in your mouth and you have open wounds. So you should be eating a nutritious soft food diet for at least 2 weeks post op as chewing too much can cause the mouth to hurt. Do not drink through a straw until the sites have closed. Avoid sugary foods and drinks (like soda) as well as any sugar substitute because these non nutritious substances tax the immune system which will slow down the healing process.

Keep your other teeth very clean with thorough brushing and flossing. Rinse only with salt water until the sites close.

If you have not seen the surgeon for a post op appointment, it would be a good idea to see him to make sure everything is healing okay. Extraction sites heal differently for everyone and not being able to see you clinically makes it impossible to tell why the sites are now sore. They should be feeling better at this point, not worse.

You are not be a worry wort.... your concerns are very valid. It would be wise to have the areas checked.

Hope this info helps,
Bryanna


QUOTE=thing1968;969419]Hi,

I had all 4 removed 3.14.13 3 erupted and 1 partially impacted. The one the was partially impacted was harder for him to get out and was very sore. The pain has lessened alot but now the gums around 3 of the sockets are sore. Is this part of the normal healing process? I am still pretty much eating soft foods as I am afraid of food getting stuck in the sockets. He gave me a syringe to cleanse and I do after I eat now with warm salt water as I am done with the cleansing stuff he gave me. I really did not think that I would have to wait 2-4 months for the sockets to close. When is it safe to drink out of a straw? I feel silly asking my dental office some of these questions because I know I am a worry wart and don't like to bother them all the time[/QUOTE]