Last Thursday (May 16th) I had a molar extracted. According to my OS the extraction was difficult. About 3-4 days later it was clear to me (based on internet search) that I had dry socket (INTENSE pain and foul smell/taste). I went back to my OS and he confirmed dry socket. He performed vigorous debridement (I had bone powder or grafting material inside the socket which had turned very dry and hard). The debridement was the MOST PAINFUL thing I have ever experienced. He also irrigated with saline (I guess it was saline).

He did not pack the socket with soothing gauze however he said he made sure there was good bleeding at the site before he closed it up with dissolvable stitches. It has been 2 full days since the debridement/irrigation. I am taking Nanoproxen (not strong enough) and Amoxicillin. The pain is still there but no where as severe as before the debridement (somewhat managed by Nanoproxen) but I do get breakthrough pain during sleeping hours. I am terrified of getting another dry socket.

I have a f/u in 7 days but have no idea what the socket should look like or if it is healing properly. I am rinsing with warm salt water but also think I have gotten some food in the socket. I am barely eating however and meds are KILLING my stomach. I am not sure if I should just leave the lodged food there or try to get it out? Also when will this pain go away? I am so miserable. Thanks for any advice...