Hi,

I just had a molar and wisdom tooth extraction last week, followed by a bone graft the same day. It was all good until just a couple of hours ago when I noticed there's some white hanging tissue there (it's the upper right tooth). It doesn't hurt at all, but I have no idea what it is. It looks kind of like a popped blister? I didn't feel any weird taste or fragments from the bone graft material either.

I'm really worried the graft might have failed and I couldn't find any similar posts around so I have no idea what it is. I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the dentist that we scheduled last week, but meanwhile I'm pretty freaked out.

My right ear is clogged, but don't think it can be related, it has been like that all week, assuming it's just until the extraction place heals, it's probably swollen?

Also, I've been using cholrhexidine gluconate with a syringe to keep the area clean - maybe I applied too much pressure last time I used it?

Sigh, it completely came off now. At first I freaked out because it looked like fat and was gross but I realize it's probably just the sponge she put on top? How could it come off since I have (had) stitches on top of it?

There's a little bit left there hanging just like before and I'm trying not to disturb it but every time I swallow I feel it becoming more loose...

Is this bad?

Hi cclaudiu,

It sounds like it could be the collagen plug or membrane that the dentist put over the graft material to protect it. It's best to stop irrigating it. I personally am not a big fan of patients irrigating their surgical socket as the pressure applied to the syringe can wipe out the clot and the graft. Warm salt water rinses are less risky and helpful with the healing.

I suggest that you get in to see your dentist today or tomorrow.