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Question
got my tooth pulled #20 on 8/20/07. everything went fine bleeding stopped within a few hours. woke up next day. felt ok  just a little sore as i do now 36 hours later. the thing that worries me the most is that my gums surrounding where my tooth was are all swollen and white in color. is this normal?

Answer
Patrick,

A little swelling at the immediate extraction site is normal.  The tissue may appear whitish in color.  Unless the tooth was removed surgically (with stitches), more than mild swelling would not be expected.  If you aren't sure, it is best to be on the safe side and have your treating dentist check it.

Best wishes,

Steve

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Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S.

Expertise

Comprehensive Dentistry, TMJ Dysfunction Therapy, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Nineteen years of experience including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private rehabilitative practice.

Experience

I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private dental practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of excellence.

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