Well, it has been four weeks and a day since I had this extraction and things really did improve. I did have a slight bruising feel to the gum until last week, but that subsided. However, today I woke up and noticed if I push my lower jaw forward I get a stabbing pain in the socket that was initially causing me problems. I haven't been back to the OS because, like I said, the pain had all but gone away and this is a different pain. It feels as though someone is sticking a needle in the socket but only when I move the jaw outside of it's regular scope of movement. Also, and this may be unrelated, my ear has been acting funny on the side that the socket hurts. This started a couple of days ago, before the new socket pain started up. Everything sounds as though I have water in my ear and sometimes it feels as though there is something making a rustling sound in my ear - when I yawn for instance. I assumed at first this was the start of a cold, but now I am not so sure. Any thoughts? Just go back and see the OS? See my regular doctor?

Popple,

Your symptoms sound like you may be having a problem with your TMJ joint. This can be evaluated by your oral surgeon. The inner ear pain can also be associated with this... but the water sound may indicate fluid in the ear of which your physician could check for you.

Try to avoid the positions of your jaw that are painful as this will only increase the inflammation. If you are diagnosed with TMJ issues, it can be helpful to apply moist heat to that area of your face and ear as this will promote blood flow into that area.

Please come back with an update.

Bryanna