Hi all.

I had a wisdom (lower left) extracted on Wednesday. It was extremely painful and the dentist really had a difficult time getting it out. It was huge! I went straight to bed after the extraction and slept for around 4 hours as he told me I can't eat or drink anything and should just go take a nap.

It's 2 days later and the swelling is becoming worse. I took a peek this morning and there seems to be some black-ish material on the wound. I read on another page that this is normal but should I be worried? Should I go back? And how long should it take for the swelling to go away completely?

Thanks in advance.

Hi rudi.dl,

The blackish material that you see on the wound may be sutures, could be the clot or food debris. Do not to remove it with your finger, a toothpick, a q-tip, a toothbrush or anything other object. Do the warm salt water rinses a few times a day (NO mouthwash) as your dentist recommended.. .. or should have recommended. Do not eat anything on that side and stick to a soft food diet for several days to avoid using your jaw too much to chew.

Swelling is normal for the first 3-6 days, especially after a difficult extraction. Do not apply ice at this point as it will not be helpful. Ice is only recommended for the first 24 hours. You could apply MOIST heat to that area of your face a few times a day as they may give you some relief. Dampen a washcloth and microwave it for about 15 seconds or so.... do not make it too hot, just comfortably warm. Hold that against your face (on the outside) and cover with a dry towel until the heat is gone.

It's important to take the meds that were prescribed to you by the dentist. Drink lots of water throughout the day, eat nutritiously, avoid sugar, soda, cigarettes and alcohol.

If you develop extensive or progressive swelling, increased/intense pain in that area or any signs of an infection... fever, nausea, feel unwell..... call your dentist.

Bryanna