Infection after tooth extraction?
 

Hi, I had my first molar extracted just less than 2 weeks ago for braces (it was rapidly decaying) and I had other teeth removed on Thursday last week. My orthodontist told me no rinsing for the first 24 hours after those teeth were removed so I didn't, but I got paranoid with food getting stuck in my first molar socket that I used a toothpick to remove some food particles (silly I know). At one point I removed some white stuff that I thought was food but then the area started to ooze a tiny bit of blood but stopped quickly after. After that I stopped messing with it and continued with warm saline rinses the next day. Today I notice that the hole as a red lump inside that seems to be an extension of the gums beside it. I'm not in pain or anything but was wondering what this lump could be? Is it an infection? Thanks !

Hi ohshoez,

I think you may have disturbed the formation of the clot when you used the toothpick. You should never put anything into the extraction hole because not only can you disrupt the natural healing process but you can cause further entry of bacteria.

The clot is initially red and then a protective white biofilm covers it. So the white that you thought was food debris was likely the protective biofilm. The red area looks like it is granulomas tissue. This is an overgrowth or abnormal growth of tissue that occurs when either the healing has been disturbed or it is due to the socket no being scraped out thoroughly when the tooth was removed.

It is best to see the oral surgeon who removed this tooth to evaluate the healing so that you do not end up with a complication down the road. Make sure that you tell him you used a toothpick and pulled out the "white" stuff which caused some bleeding.

Bryanna

Thanks Bryanna. You seem to know your stuff. I'm scheduled to have braces fitted on tomorrow, will this complication delay the fitting or will I be able to proceed with it?

It should be evaluated by the surgeon prior to any further dental work.

Bryanna