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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Rule Out Dry Socket?

Hi I had all four of my wisdom teeth out six days ago, and on the second day both top and bottom stitches on the right side of my mouth fell out. Now they are very sore and there is a flap of gum moving around. I'm afraid I have a dry socket. How do I know for sure? Or is this flap of gum normal?
Thu, 17 Nov 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..

Welcome to HCM..

As per your complain in case if the stitches fell off on the second day of extraction itself then there is a good chance of the blood clot to dislodge in case of loss of supporting gums with the help of stitches, although not always necessary..

But as it is 6th day and they have started turning sore and gum flap is moving then there is a pretty high probability of dry socket formation..

I would suggest you to consult your treating dentist and get evaluated and in case if there is a dry socket formation then you will be given Zinc oxide eugenol dressing in the socket that has sedative nature and will help in reducing pain and promote healing..

As of now you can keep the areas clean and do not let food accumulate..
Take anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen to relieve pain..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
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How To Rule Out Dry Socket?

Hi.. Welcome to HCM.. As per your complain in case if the stitches fell off on the second day of extraction itself then there is a good chance of the blood clot to dislodge in case of loss of supporting gums with the help of stitches, although not always necessary.. But as it is 6th day and they have started turning sore and gum flap is moving then there is a pretty high probability of dry socket formation.. I would suggest you to consult your treating dentist and get evaluated and in case if there is a dry socket formation then you will be given Zinc oxide eugenol dressing in the socket that has sedative nature and will help in reducing pain and promote healing.. As of now you can keep the areas clean and do not let food accumulate.. Take anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen to relieve pain.. Hope this helps.. Regards..