I have been reading through the posts for problems like mine but don't see any exactly the same. I had an infected lower molar so after taking anti-biotics for a few days I had it removed, this was over two weeks ago. I returned almost a week after the extraction and he took a look and said it was healing well then he told an xray and said I had dry socket so he gave me some novocaine and cleaned the area and decided to stitch it up. Now it's a week later and the hole is still there, mostly covered with white tissue but still quite a large hole. I wasn't sure how long to rinse with salt water as he really didn't instruct me at all after the second procedure and my mouth was frozen and I was biting on gauze so couldn't talk very well and didn't ask. I did ask if I should go back to soft food and he said I shouldn't have to. I am concerned that the hole hasn't closed yet and how long should I wait before brushing this area? I wouldn't go so far as to call it pain but the area still hurts some, is this normal? I still have some amoxicillian and am wondering if I should start taking it again.

Hi semi,

An extraction site can take several weeks to close completely. You should continue rinsing with warm salt water until the hole is closed because it helps to keep the area clean. The water only needs to slightly salted and rinsing 3 times a day is adequate.

It is important to brush ALL of your teeth thoroughly, even the tooth/teeth near this site. Plaque can accumulate easily anyplace in the mouth and can cause irritation and infection. As for the soft diet it is best to eat foods that do not require a lot of chewing. Spicy foods, sugary foods and drinks, alcohol, crusty bread and smoking ... should all be avoided until the site closes completely.

Hope this helps!

Bryanna