Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 10/28/2006

Question
  Hello Doc,
           I recently had my number 18 molar extracted (10.25.2006) by my oral surgeon.  The extraction went well with no need for stitches and I have not had to take any of my pain medication.  I used gauze regularly for the first twelve hours and the bleeding subsided, and have used a salt water rinse every two to three hours and after eating.  I am relatively pain free but there seems to be a dark green jelly/slime the is starting to appear in the hole!  Does this sound normal or could this be the beginning of an infection.


Answer
Dear Phil,

I'm not sure about the green coloration-- perhaps this may represent some entrapped food, or perhaps may be due to the ambient lighting conditions you're using to view your mouth. However, it's perfectly normal to find a gelatinous residue over an extraction site-- this is simply the remains of the blood clot that forms over the wound. In the absence of swelling or pain (which would be the first signs of infection), I am inclined to think this is innocent, and no cause for concern.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY