Dry socket problems...?!
Question: 3 weeks ago, I had some wisdom teeth removed, one of which was lying completely on it's side, so has a large incision... I developed dry socket. I had been going to dentist every 3 days to have it packed, and have had it packed a total of 6 times - 7th time should be Thursday. It is sore even on the outside of my cheek. Is this normal? I just noticed a large hard knot on my jawbone where the dry socket is, too. I don't know how long it has been there, but the pain is the same (agonizing). Is the knot on the outside normal with a dry socket? How long usually before they heal? I'm worried that either something is damaged or there is still a piece of tooth or something there. The other incisions are fine and give me no problems.
Answers: 3 weeks ago, I had some wisdom teeth removed, one of which was lying completely on it's side, so has a large incision... I developed dry socket. I had been going to dentist every 3 days to have it packed, and have had it packed a total of 6 times - 7th time should be Thursday. It is sore even on the outside of my cheek. Is this normal? I just noticed a large hard knot on my jawbone where the dry socket is, too. I don't know how long it has been there, but the pain is the same (agonizing). Is the knot on the outside normal with a dry socket? How long usually before they heal? I'm worried that either something is damaged or there is still a piece of tooth or something there. The other incisions are fine and give me no problems.
Poor thing! My friend had dry sockets. She was in SEVERE pain. Hers lasted a couple weeks. I think 3 weeks is a bit longer than usual. According to the below website, it should have healed in 10-14 days...but everyone is different.
I had my wisdom teeth taken out 5 years ago but I still remember the pain. I didn't get dry sockets. I am no expert but I also had knots near my jawbones and I just massaged it lightly or iced it. My face was swollen for 3 weeks and my jaws were locked for almost a month (I could barely open my mouth)...these symptoms were supposed to only last a couple days (by textbook) but mine lasted longer.
Go back to your dentist soon!
Sometimes cysts can develop or granuloma tissue impacted deep into the extraction site so that it can't heal. I suggest you go back to your oral surgeon if you are still not healing normally. Sometimes antibiotics are needed and the area needs to be surgically cleaned out so it can heal. The rule of thumb is that if it doesn't feel like it's normal, it probably isn't. It's better to go in to the office and make sure you are ok than to wait and hope it goes away. I can get worse, much worse. Sorry.