Dry Socket--How Long Will This Last?
 

I had one of my back teeth extracted last Thursday. I was still in pain today, and wasn't sure if this was normal or not, so went back to the dentist. They determined I had dry socket and treated it with the medicated guaze. It's somewhat better in the mouth area, but my NECK still hurts like crazy, and it feels like someone punched me in the jaw. So, how long will this awfulness last? And why does my NECK hurt so bad (it hurts back into my ear a bit, too). I was on Fosomax and Boniva for a short time last year, so of course I have the awful fear of necrosis. This is just WAY more painful than I expected it to be for this long, and leave it to me to have complications. I just recovered from RSD (a complicated chronic pain syndrome) from a different surgery 18 months ago. Now I'm feeling like--here we go again. :(

I am hoping to pieced I am not having that same thing.... I had a tooth pulled yesterday. Last time I had one pulled I got a dry socket and hurts into ear and sometimes neck, it can be very painful. Now with the dentist doing that it should hurt less soon. This time nothing hurts too much, but I do not see a clot on top so thinking it is open... meaning dry socket ahhhh hugsss,sarah

Do you remember how long it lasted last time? I hope it's not dry socket for you this time, too!

Hi Millerprof,

A dry socket can be quite uncomfortable for several days. Did the dentist suggest that you return to his office for retreatment of the socket daily or at least every other day for several days? The dressing needs to be changed often by the dentist.

The neck and jaw pain is commonly associated with a dry socket from a lower tooth removed. The pain radiates along the bundle of nerves in the jawbone but it should subside quite a bit within a day or two.

If you smoke, stop. Smoking can cause a dry socket to occur and it can also prevent the area from healing.

It is important to follow the instructions of the dentist and see him frequently to change the medicated dressing.

Very sorry you are experiencing this pain......... hopefully you will feel much relief soon!

Bryanna

Thanks Bryanna,

I don't smoke, so at least I have that in my favor I guess! The pain in my jaw is interesting--I was completely numbed up and they had the gas on as high as it would go, and when the surgeon started I could feel an electrical jolt radiate through my jaw. They then had to knock me out to complete the procedure. With RSD, I think I'm prone to having nerve issues. I was actually upset that I even started to go through this awake. It's a long story, but they were so adament on the phone before the appointment that they would NOT do anesthesia on the same day as my consult--I would have to schedule yet another appointment to come back again. But they would take it out with laughing gas. They said my insurance wouldn't cover it unless it was a wisdom tooth. But I happen to have very good insurance, and they didn't even check--it covers the extraction completely and 90% of the anesthesia. So they're tyring to get the tooth out, and it's not working, so THEN they talk to me about the anesthesia (after I'm doped up on laughing gas and valium--not exactly clear headed). And they asked if I'd had anything to eat since they were going to do anesthesia, and I said I hadn't, but I actually had (since they had told me they wouldn't be doing anesthesia). So, I guess it's a lucky thing I didn't puke and choke during surgery. Combine that with the pain meds and I was definately vomiting later that night. Geez the whole thing was just an awful experience. The doctor was great but the support staff were not. But I'm rambling now--just needed to vent.

Oh, and I am going back tomorrow, Friday, and Monday for a dressing change.

Hi Millerprof,

Oh my goodness!! What an ordeal! Too many drugs in your system at one time. Fortunately, you didn't have a problem while under the general....whew.

I agree with you about the nerve issues associated with RSD. I don't believe there is too much that can be done to prevent that nerve pain when the body has been traumatized. Yet, it does not happen every time..... very strange.

I am glad that you don't smoke and that you are under the care of the dentist. Hopefully you will feel better very soon.

Please do keep in touch!

Bryanna

thanks, quite a few days, but once they started doing those dressing things...it got better and better... right now mine is a bit hurting but not way out pain... so hoping I do not get worse. hgussss,sarah

Why is it that medical professionals refer to pain as "discomfort" or being "uncomfortable"? I know it's probably an attempt to be politically correct to make patients who are having pain calm down, but it's PAIN!!! when you have a dry socket! No offense, but labor pains and dry socket are NOT discomfort! :D They are P--A--I--N in no uncertain terms! It minimizes a patient's problem instead of validating them when such terms are used to describe agony.

I don't mean this to be offensive. You all don't know me very well here, so it might come off as if I'm being mean. I'm not at all. I'm meaning this with perfectly benign intent.

hey grizzz I compared it once to labor pain... yes it all is P A I N no doubt about it..hugss,sarah

its been several days now, are you feeling better?