3 weeks after a tooth extraction -is it ok if the socket is still kind a red inside ?
 

Simple extraction of root canaled tooth #5 happened 3 weeks ago, didn't have any pain in the past 3 weeks. The socket is still kind a dark red inside, it looks like the hole is closing , but gums still feel puffy and the odd feeling of the neighboring teeth is still there, same as the first day. No pain, just a " tugging " puffy, tender feeling. I still rinse with a warm salt water 3-4 times a day, I don't eat on that side yet and I don't brush the extraction site yet, just around it.
Is this normal healing ? Or I should go back to the OS ? I didn't have a post op appointment , he doesn't do that if there are no problems .

nyuszisue,

People heal differently. The socket could be dark red from eating or drinking hot temperatures or spicy foods. It could be irritation from your tongue exploring it too often ;) It's hard to tell. Make sure not to use too much salt in the water and cut back to 3 times a day. Do not be tempted to use any mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide. Do not suck on hard candies or mints, do not drink through a straw or put anything into that socket to "clean it out".

Every extraction should have a follow up appointment. So although you are pain free, if you would feel better having the OS take a peek, then by all means give them a call.

Bryanna

I don't eat spicy food, I don't even drink anything on that side yet, and I'm not letting my tongue touch the site. I don't use any mouthwash either.
So dark red is not a good sign ? could it be an infection ? if it is , that is the only sign ? The extraction site feels actually more irritated then earlier today.

nyuszisue,

Dark red could be a sign of bacteria and/or inflammation. Infection.... maybe. Or it could be normal healing for you. It is best to have the surgeon take a look.

Bryanna

I'm planning to call the OS tomorrow . What does it mean if it's bacteria or inflammation ? That could lead to infection ?
Thank you for your answers !

nyuszisue,

Bacteria, depending on what type it is can be infectious.

Chronic inflammation, especially if negative bacteria is also present, can result in infection.

Please try not to anguish over this. Have the OS take a peek and rest your concerns :)

Bryanna

Thank you , I will call the OS and try to go in so he can take a look. Hopefully it's just slow healing.

The OS said there is no sign of infection, and that the site is healing ok, but when he touched it with a q tip it started bleeding. I told him I don't eat on that side yet and I don't brush the site yet just around it, he said I need to brush it even like massage it little with the toothbrush and just eat normally, and the redness will go away.
Does that sound ok ? I just got back from him, and now I have a little discomfort from the socket because he touched it ( I wouldn't call it a pain , hopefully it won't be a pain ).

Hi nyuszisue,

Okay good, no sign of infection. I agree the redness will go away.

I would not suggest to use a toothbrush on the site if the hole is still open as the brush can introduce bacteria. But since there is no infection then it is wise to massage that area and the reason being is because the massage will stimulate blood cells to come in and speed up the healing. You can use a warm, wet q tip and just gently, lightly, push around that whole area. It's okay if it bleeds a little, that will eventually stop. You can also put coconut oil on the q tip and massage that into the area. Just be gentle and apply light pressure. The idea is to massage it just enough to stimulate the blood cells not massage it as if you were trying to remove something. Always use a clean q tip.

As far as eating goes, you can incorporate some chewier foods but avoid anything sharp like chips.

You have a been an ideal patient..... I just thought I would let you know that :))

I think everything will heal fine and please let me know how you're doing...

Bryanna

This is the second time in almost a year ( two extractions ) that you are so patient answering my questions ( and lots of other peoples too of course ) and I appreciate that so much ! Thank you for taking your time being on this site, and making so many peoples lives easier with your knowledge and kindness of helping.
As for being an ideal patient.....I'm always a worrying about everything type, but your posts help a lot. Thank you, Bryanna !