What does a healthy clot look like and how long does it stay?!

What does a healthy clot look like and how long does it stay?

Had molar removed 4 days ago, clot is in like a crater (hole where tooth was but very low down) is dark and has white/yellow stuff on top. seems to be disappearing more each few hours though. Am scared I may be getting dry socket as I geta slight ache/sharp pain every now and then.

Also my cheek is still swollen, is this normal??

When should the clot dissolve? I know it does it on it's own, but this one seems to be going fast. I am doing gentle salt rinses no mouthwash on dentist orders, brushing the rest of my teeth gently still, but have bad breath from the site.

Rose, everything you are experiencing is completely normal and is part of the average healing period. Try using a cold compress to help if the extraction site begins to throb, this will help control any discomfort and also help with the swelling. You may always have a small indentation where your tooth was extracted, but your socket will heal, this healing process can take the next few weeks and even moths to fully occur but your extraction sounds to be healing nicely at the moment. Continue with your salt water rinses to ensure that any food particles are being flushed out of the socket as this could be the cause of the unpleasant breath. If you notice any changes, be sure to let your dentist know as it could be a sign of an infection begining to develop. Good luck!