Expert: Rafael Mosery,D.D.S. - 8/16/2007

Question
Hi!  I just had my tooth pulled this afternoon after over 3 weeks of pain, I couldnt take it anymore.  I went to the dentist about 3 weeks ago because my tooth was really bothering me.  He told me that I needed a root canal, or I could have it pulled.  The thought of losing my tooth terrified me, but, the fact that I have no insurance for the 1700+ procedure forced me to face reality that it wasnt possible to have it.  After talking with family members, they offered to help pay for it, but after going to the dentist today, I didnt want to wait anymore, and it was time to make a decision.  I decided to go thru with just having it pulled, even though I wanted very much to save my tooth.  Because I did not want my very loving family members to have to pay for such a procedure.  

I now regret having it done just for the simple fact that my tooth is no longer there.  Although it was my very last tooth on the top of my mouth, I still miss it!(haha) I was wondering what are some measures I can take in preventing dry socket. I am scared to death of it because I have heard it is very painful.  I was done with the procedure almost 3 hours ago, and I am still bleeding, so even though they instructed me to put gauze on it for 30 minutes after the extraction, and then 30 minutes again after replacing with a new gauze they said I would be ok with just doing that.  I have now changed the gauze several times since the procedure.  Am I doing anything wrong?  I just wanted to stop the bleeding and aid the blood clot to forming.  Please give me any of your advice, suggestions, and tips.  I would be extrememly greatful!  As you can tell from my long explaination filled with worries, this is my first tooth ever pulled before (it was my first toothache, too!).  I just want to do everything I possibly can to help it heal fast, and most importantly right.  (And dry socket free!) :) Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Hi Samantha,
No rinsing tonight
Continue with the gauze if you need to. If you run out you could use a regular tea bag-no problem.Most of the bleeding has stopped.What you're experiencing now is some oozing which is normal.Don't be alarmed if there's some blood on the pillow tomorrow morning or if you like put a towel over it.Take pain medicine as needed-Advil or ibuprofen 600mg works fine.If you're a smoker-Don't even think about smoking for 3 days. Don't overdue it with the rinsing.
tomorrow morning 1/2 tsp salt in a full glass of water and gently rinse.#-4x aday.You'll be fine.