I don't see anything concerning about the socket site. Dry socket is really seen 24-48 hours post extraction so you're a little too far out for it to be dry socket. However, anything is possible and I really "diagnose" dry socket based on the patient's symptoms (excruciating pain).
Most likely you are getting food debris in the socket site which is irritating it and delaying the healing process. You can buy big syringes at the pharmacy that you can use to really rinse the site out well but rinsing with salt water should work fine. You could also see your surgeon for a followup and have them take a look and possibly rinse the site out for you. The stitches coming out shouldn't have much of an effect on your pain level. Agree with the other post, try taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together as that increases the effectiveness of the analgesic/anti-inflammatory properties.
Thanks for the awesome input!
I really doubt it's a dry socket myself, as it stopped hurting after a bit and went back to this decent amount of disconfort I've been feeling for the last few days. The white we're seeing in my socket is a stitch. The socket was clean when I took these photos.
I read a lot about the syringes and I might just try that, but for now, rinsing with salt works.
The stitches coming out shouldn't have much of an effect on your pain level.
How weird, this is the exact opposite of what the secretary told me on the phone, and she seemed to know what she was talking about. I guess the pain I was feeling earlier was due to the teeth brushing the night before, as I felt a difference almost instantly after my brushing.
try taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together as that increases the effectiveness of the analgesic/anti-inflammatory properties.
Thank you for that. You know way more than I do and I don't mean to doubt your knowledge on anything, but is there any way you could assure me that this is a safe thing to do? I've been told so many things on Ibuprofen, I don't know what/who to trust anymore.
Thanks again. I might have a quick checkup at my dentist's office on Wednesday.