Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 12/23/2006

Question
I got two wisdom teeth removed about 30 hours ago, and after looking closely in the mirror, on my bottom left jaw (me looking in the mirror), there was a small black area, and I'm afraid it might be a dry socket. I can't tell if it's open or closed, but I've read that a black area is not a good sign. As of now, I feel no pain, but I'm on Ibuprofen (800 mg) and Amoxicilin, but from what I've read, pain doesn't come until at least the third day.

Can you tell me whether I have a dry socket or not (if possible), and if it might be, what I can do about it?

Thanks.

Answer
Vincent,

A small black area could be anything from a normal blood clot to a dry socket.  Dry socket is nothing more than a delayed healing response caused by a poor blood clot at the extraction site.  However, exposed nerve endings make this extremely painful if left untreated until healing takes place.  Healing does ultimately occur, it just takes longer than normal.  If you don't have much pain, it isn't dry socket.  As you stated, the pain won't tend to begin with dry socket until day 3-5 after the procedure.  There is nothing more you can do at this point.  Continue to take your medications as directed and see what happens.  If intense pain later occurs, call your treating dentist for treatment.  There should be an emergency number to call if you have a problem during the holiday weekend.  

Best wishes,

Steve