Is dry socket possible 23 days post op
 

The tooth that was extracted is still hurting. I feel as though the pain is getting worse. I see the Dentist tomorrow. Is it possible the dry socket is still present? Was something done wrong when the tooth was extracted. The pain is extremely debilitating.

Bryanna, I know you mentioned that the graft might be compromised which I agree at this point.

Leesal,

The pain should not be getting worse. That is usually indicative of an infection or some other complication.

The dry socket may not have ever healed and/or the graft has caused further infection.

If the oral surgeon does not take this seriously or you feel like he is putting you off, then you need to seek another surgeon asap.

He should examine the area thoroughly and take xrays of that area to see what the graft looks like and if there is any abnormal pathology going on in that entire quadrant. Do not let him prescribe another antibiotic without thoroughly evaluating and xraying that quadrant. If he says the wound is closing and all looks good..... still take those xrays. The wound can close over an infection and you don't want that to occur.

Keep in mind that it is too early to know if the graft is integrating with the bone as that does not occur for months. So that is not why you need the xrays. The xrays are needed to rule out pathology/infection in the grafted areas.

Ask him or the receptionist to email you a copy of the pre op (before surgery) xrays and a copy of these new xrays. You may need to send them to a new oral surgeon. You can also post them here for me to look at, if you want. Just make sure your name is not visible.

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

I went back to the Dr. yesterday. He said there is an infection present and wants to do an incision on the gum to pull the membrane, clean out the area and hopefully save the graft. I'm still having the awful taste in my mouth.

He said the optimal time to try and take the membrane out is at the 4 week mark which would be Friday. I tentatively scheduled this to be done January 7.

Does this sound like an appropriate thing to do?

Should I get a second opinion?