It actually took longer to numb me than it did to pull my molar. The dentist said it had to come out as there was infection there, but it was still firmly planted and didn't want to let go.

As far as the pain goes, it's neglible. The dentist prescribed Darvocet for pain and as soon as I could eat some pudding I took one so I could catch the pain before it started. Next, I'm hitting up the arnica.

So, probably the only thing that has me a little concerned is it seems to be taking forever to stop the bleeding. I had my tooth pulled around 1:45 p.m. and I'm still bleeding a little at 6:30 p.m., although has slowed down. DH said I shouldn't be bleeding that much after all this time but as I told him I had read where ibuprofen can have this effect and I had to take two today for a headache.

So, here I sit with yet another wad of gauze stuck in my mouth. <sigh> Sad thing is I am fighting a cold on top of having this extraction today and all I want to do is go to sleep but I want to make sure the bleeding has stopped so I can remove the gauze.

You will probably find that socket where your tooth was will bleed a bit and ooze for a few days. If you're still concerned tomorrow morning, call your dentist's office. I hope it heals quickly and that you (your cold and mouth) start to feel better soon. It's hard when you have dental work done while you have a cold!!

Sorry to hear about your owie...oh I hate dealing with teeth!

Do you what time it is when you need to go to the dentist?
When its TOOTH-HURTY!
Oh slap me for that one!
Hope you heal quickly!

Hi Ms Cherokee,

Glad to hear that the extraction is over!!

It is very common to bleed from an extraction site for a few days. At times it may ooze a little bit, but slight bleeding is normal. Do not put any more gauze over the socket after the first day because it can pull out the clot.

Usually, oral surgery is avoided if the patient is getting sick, even with a cold because a compromised immune system during any surgical procedure is not an ideal situation. However, since you already had the tooth removed, it is imperative to take extra care of yourself and try to build up your immune system. Vitamin C, 250-500 mgs every 4 hours or until bowel tolerance for a few days is very helpful. The Arnica will also reduce inflammation in your throat from the cold. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated and flush out the cold germs.

It is so important to take good care of yourself for at least 2 weeks while you are healing.

So....... how are you doing with the smoking? Are you able to use the patches??

Bryanna

Thanks everyone for their replies!

It's going on the third day since my extraction and the worst problem I'm having is trying not to cough or sneeze.

Bryanna, I'm doing *almost* everything right. The first day I felt so bad (more from the cold than the extraction) that I didn't smoke at all, nor did I use the patches. The second day I did smoke two cigarettes, very carefully. At this point I'm actually more concerned about the coughing and sneezing. I've been taking cough syrup and it's helping somewhat. It never fails, anytime I have a dentist appointment scheduled someone always comes to work sick and gets me sick.

I've seemed to have lost my appetite as well, which isn't all bad. I have to force myself to eat but once I start eating I realize how hungry I am.

I've had absolutely no problem with the no alcohol or no carbonated beverages rule, I'm just wondering for how long. The sheet the dentist office gave me didn't give a length of time. It also didn't say how long to avoid hot foods and drinks so I've been drinking my coffee lukewarm! Other than that, things are going good!

Hi MS Cherokee,

I honestly think that one of the most miserable things to have is a cold. It just makes you feel crummy and all that mucus and coughing just seems endless!!

It's ok to sneeze, cough and blow your nose. If it was an upper molar, then just blow your nose gently for a few days and blow out of both nostrils at the same time so as to not put too much pressure on the side that had the extraction. It's better to get rid of the congestion than to let it go down into your chest.

As for the cough syrup, any medication that reduces mucus will dry up the saliva flow and the oral tissue. THIS is not a good thing because you need to have a healthy saliva flow to keep that extraction site moist so the clot doesn't dry up. Also, do not suck on cough drops for the same reason as well as the sucking action can disturb the formation of the clot.

I'm glad you didn't smoke the first day......... good for you!! But remember, smoking in any way..... "even carefully"...... is going to disrupt the healing of that surgical site and it could cause a dry socket and/or it could take longer for the site to heal properly.

The no alcohol rule is until the area has healed completely. Alcohol dries up the oral tissue and as I mentioned before, the area needs to remain moist.

Restriction of hot foods is for about 7-10 days after the extraction. One reason is because hot temperatures can cause bleeding, secondly keep in mind this is a surgical wound, you wouldn't want to put anything hot on it because it could burn the surgerized tissue.

I know your appetite is not good and that's understandable. But try to eat as nutritionally as possible when you do eat to help your immune system fight this cold and heal the extraction site.

Most postoperative complications following oral surgery can be avoided if the patient makes every effort to take really good care of themself. I know it sounds silly, but it's really true!

Remember........ keep rinsing with the warm salt water several times a day for at least 2 weeks or so!

Keep us posted........ ~'.'~

Bryanna

Bryanna,

Thanks for answering my questions so fast! You have been a great help to me.

The information sheet the dentist gave me said in big bold letters do not cough or sneeze and to keep cold meds handy. So naturally I had just gotten home from the extraction and got a coughing fit and thought, oh great here we go! LOL The one thing I won't do is use cough drops, no matter how much I need them. I'm paranoid about dislodging the clot. Glad to know I don't have to be so nervous about sneezing or coughing though.

I did pick up some vitamin C a day before the extraction, so I'll be dosing up with that, along with plenty of fluids. And it seems like the arnica is doing wonders because I really don't have any pain from the extraction site and haven't taken any darvocet today. I've also been doing the warm salt water rinses 3-4 times a day.

This cold has knocked me out. I've been doing tons of sleeping. I average about a half hour on the computer before it's time to lay down again. So, in a crazy way I think it's a good thing because it's forcing my body to get some much needed rest and not overdo.

Again, thanks so much for all your help!

MsCherokee,

I am familiar with the post operative sheet that is given out for oral surgery. Most offices make the same recommendations. The part about not sneezing or coughing means to not forcibly do either. I know it seems silly to sneeze or cough gently, but that's what it means because it causes more pressure to hold in a sneeze or cough than it does to let it out. If someone has severe allergies or a bad cold, then cough medicine used infrequently may be necessary to avoid excessive sneezing and coughing. However, it will dry up the mucus membranes creating less saliva flow. So it would be wise to try to use it sparingly.

Great to hear that you are doing the salt water rinsing and that the arnica is helping and you are not having any pain!!

Hopefully the area will heal well and you can put this experience behind you!

Thanks for keeping us posted...... check back soon!

Bryanna

wow! you've been thru a lot, buddy

so glad you are repairing well