Thanks Bryanna,
Day 12 and it finally feels like it is really healing. On day 8 I attempted to irrigate, prior to reading your note, and thought it would feel good, like something was stuck in there- I poked the syringe in and actually saw a white lightening bolt! It was insanely painful. I rode to the bar on my bike and drank 3 pints to try to kill the pain.
Last night I did try again and of course it was easier, though it still looks/feels with my tongue like there is something stuck, I am afraid if I try to pull it out I will discover it is tender flesh..

I am surprised again how long this was so painful for. Maybe dry socket? Didn't expect that on a pre-molar...