Tooth Grafting
 

I had a back bottom (third from back) tooth extracted on Wednesday 6-24-15. The tooth had been a problem for almost 15 years and I was reluctant to have it pulled.
About every 15-18 months an infection would surface and would be treated with antibiotics. Earlier in the week the doctor explained that if I put off extracting the tooth any longer that it may result in jawbone damage hence I agreed to have it extracted. I've abstained from consuming alcoholic beverages for ten days while taking the antibiotics.
After extracting the tooth and the hole prepared, bone graft material was put in place.
On Saturday afternoon the stitches (four of them) started coming out and the last came out on Sunday morning. I could see a strange membrane where the tooth once was. While enjoying frozen fruit smoothie the membrane dislodged.
I called the dental office first thing this morning and was instructed to keep it clean with mouth wash or salt water and to come to the office on 7-6-15 as the doctor was out of town on vacation.
My question: is it ok to wait one week to have my mouth examined or should I look for another dentist?

Hi Bob,

A few things come to mind...

1) Only rinse with warm salt water. Avoid mouthwash of any kind as the chemicals are irritating to the gum tissue and mouthwash cannot differentiate the good from the bad bacteria. So it kills everything which is counterproductive because you need good bacteria to heal properly.

2) Was this tooth root canaled? It sounds like it had a recurring abscess for many years. This means that the bone surrounding the tooth is not going to be in great shape nor as healthy as it can be. Placing the graft in unhealthy bone is risky but depending on your immune system, it may not be a problem.

3) Due to the longevity of the infection and the graft being done.. and the fact that the clot or membrane dislodged... it may not be wise to wait another week to have this evaluated. Does your dentist have a covering dentist that you could see? If so, that would probably be your best bet. If not, then a referral to another dentist would be a good idea.

Hope this info is helpful to you. Please check back with us.......

Thank you Bryanna I really appreciate your comments.

Yes, the tooth was a root canal and it was deemed three years ago that it needed to be re-rooted which I had done.

Since the second root canal the tooth was no longer been sensitive to hot or cold water was a problem occasionally prior to the second root canal.

I'll contact them tomorrow and go from there.

Thanks again for your comments.