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Dentistry/healing sockets after wisdom tooth extraction
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Question
I had all four wisdom teeth extracted a little more than a week ago (10/2). The recovery went alright the first week, I didn't have much pain after the first day and didn't swell. However, when I got my stitches removed the other day I found that the two lower sockets were still open. I don't think it's "dry socket" as I'm not having any pain and there is no odor, but I am concerned about healing. How long will it take? They seem like relatively large holes and I am really careful to rinse after eating, but I just wanted to see how much longer I will be like this. Thanks for your help!
Hi Portia
What you describe sounds completely normal. The sockets will remain 'open' like this for quite some time, then they will gradually fill in and round off - but that takes several months to happen.
Just make sure you keep the areas as clean as possible.
Regards
Tony Appleton
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Answers by Expert:
- Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired
- Dr. Randolph Myerson
- Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
- Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
- Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
- Rafael Mosery,D.D.S.
- Jeff Dalin DDS
- Luis Granados DDS MS ESP.
- Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.
- Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
- Stephen J. Moss
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- Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
- Dr Craig Peck ( B.Med.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Clin. Botox, Cosmet. Derm.)
- Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD
- Susan Tannenbam
- Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com
- Dr.Mike Glasmeier
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- Ketan Amin, DMD
- Dr. Madhvendra T. Singh
- Simarjit kalra
- dr mayank kaurani BDS, MDS
- Mohamed Elsafi, DDS, MS, FACP
- Lawrence Gold
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Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
Expertise
I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Experience
I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.
Organizations
British Dental Association
Publications
British Dental Journal
Cancer Treatment Reviews
Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001
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