Tooth extraction
 

I had a molar removed 4 weeks ago and it's still sore. Is this normal?

hi kitcat!

was it a wisdom tooth?

i had a tooth removed right after thanksgiving (not a molar). it was infected and the side of the face was swollen from the infection. i had it removed and took a course of antibiotics. within a week, the swelling went down and no pain from the extraction.

if you're still chewing on that side of the mouth, it might be keeping the gum tissue sore, but i think you should call your dentist and ask if it's normal to have pain 4 weeks after an extraction.

in my experience, that seems like a long time to be sore :(

jeannie

Hi KitKat,

I've had quite a few teeth pulled in recent years. I have a little home dental kit with a special long-handled small mirror that enables me to look at the spot where the tooth was extracted. I use a flashlight and a magnifier too. All of this is just to see how the area is looking. If it's puffy, red, sore to the touch, I start to get concerned. If I press the gums and pus oozes out, I get to the dentist ASAP.

Most of the time I've got by with just following the directions I was given at the dentist's office--especially the warm salt-water rinses. They help a lot.

If the pain is getting worse or keeping you awake at night at this point, I'd definitely get in touch with the dentist. Sometimes an antibiotic is all that is needed.

As akatc said, 4 weeks is a long time for the pain to last.