Hello. I had 4 molars extracted 7 days ago. All seem to be doing fine except one on the top right, second from back. I previously had a root canal in this tooth, and upon extraction there was some difficultly getting it out. The tooth ended up cracking and the surgeon informed me a piece of root tip was left behind, but should cause no problems.

The last several days there has been a foul smell coming from that tooth, and if I put a piece of gauze there, there's this yellowish/brownish discharge that smells very bad.

I'm not experiencing any intense pain, a bit of discomfort but ibuprofen takes it away. When I wake up I have a horrible taste in my mouth from it.

I've been swishing with salt water religiously in case of any food particles. I can see the clot still there, so it's not a dry socket. I also don't have any intense pain or swelling or fever, so I didn't initially suspect infection. I go Saturday to get my stitches out but I can't help but be worried.

Hi jessrobot,

Did a general dentist or an oral surgeon remove your wisdom teeth?

It is usually not a good thing to leave any piece of the tooth behind as it can be a chronic source of infection. Depending on where the piece is located, it could migrate in to your sinuses.

If you did not see an oral surgeon for your extractions, it would be wise to see on now to evaluate that area clinically and radio graphically. If you did see an oral surgeon, then go back to him and have him evaluate it.

You do not have to have pain when there is an oral infection if the infection is draining. If the area swells up and can no longer drain, then pain will set in.

I would not wait to see the oral surgeon.

Bryanna

Hello,

I did see an oral surgeon. Thank you for your reply. I'm calling first thing in the morning.

Hi Bryanna,

Thank you for your reply. It was an oral surgeon who removed my tooth. I guess the root tip was too imbedded in the bone an it also had a root canal post. It was a difficult extraction and could hear the tooth break, and at one point he used the drill. Calling first thing in the morning!

Jessrobot,

Were you able to get in and see the oral surgeon today?

Bryanna