Is There an Infection at My Tooth Extraction Site?
Height: 5'4", Weight: 168 lbs, Age: 26, Non-smoker, Occasionally consumes alcohol. Hello everyone, I underwent the extraction of a lower molar two days ago (09/10 at 11 AM). Initially, everything seemed fine, and the bleeding ceased the same evening. However, abruptly at 4 AM, I awoke to discover a substantial amount of blood in my mouth—not actively bleeding, but it had pooled there. On a pain assessment from 1 to 10, I would rate it around a 3. My jaw is still quite tender. Is the healing process for my extraction site going as it should?
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 12:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the healing process after a tooth extraction. Your symptoms, including the tenderness and bleeding you're experiencing, can be common during the first few days post-extraction but might also indicate an issue needing attention.
Healing After Tooth Extraction: Main Points
- Initial Symptoms: Some bleeding and tenderness are normal in the days following an extraction.
- Concerns: If the bleeding increases or persists, or if you notice signs of infection, it's worth taking action.
Explanation
After a tooth extraction, it’s typical to have some discomfort and minor bleeding for a few days. However, waking up to find a substantial amount of blood pooled in your mouth can be concerning, even if it’s not actively bleeding. The tenderness in your jaw is also expected, but it's essential to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, or a foul taste or odor.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. Look out for increased redness, swelling, or pus at the extraction site, as well as worsening pain or fever.
-
Control Bleeding: If there's further bleeding, bite down gently on gauze or a clean cloth for 30 minutes to help form a clot. If bleeding continues, apply firm pressure and contact your dentist for advice.
-
Manage Pain: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to help manage discomfort.
-
Avoid Irritants: Refrain from smoking, alcohol, or drinking through straws for at least a week, as these can disrupt healing.
-
Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean, but avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for a few days.
If your symptoms worsen or you have concerns about an infection, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for a follow-up. Prompt attention can help ensure proper healing. Take care!
Related Questions
Suggestions for Dealing with Numbness in Finger After Injury
I sustained a cut on my left hand's middle finger just over a week ago, precisely on the left side where the distal and middle phalanges meet. While the cut isn't severe, it was quite painful at the moment—about 2cm in length—and it felt similar to an electric shock, a sensation many might recognize as hitting a nerve. It took nearly 45 minutes to stanch the bleeding, particularly due to some alcohol consumption during the incident, and the initial pain lasted for about 2 to 5 minutes after that shocking feeling, but since then, I haven't experienced any sensation in the fingertip. Fortunately, a friend of mine who works as an ER nurse was with me at the time. The following day, I consulted with a physician who informed me that there isn't much to do except monitor the situation. Unfortunately, it seems the cut was in a particularly unfortunate location. My inquiry is whether there are any methods to encourage nerve regeneration or stimulate the nerve endings in my finger. Currently, it feels as though an entirely different person’s fingertip has been affixed to my hand. Would techniques like massage, hot compresses, or other therapies be beneficial? I must admit that I’m not well-versed in this area, so your patience is appreciated. Thank you!
Understanding the Impact of a Bursting Aortic Aneurysm on My Husband
I'm a 53-year-old woman, and my husband unexpectedly discovered he has two aortic aneurysms following a case of food poisoning two years back. One is located in the abdominal aorta, while the other is at the point where the aorta diverges toward his groin. We faced financial challenges that prevented us from affording the necessary surgical intervention. Although both aneurysms are enlarged, they are not in an immediate life-threatening situation, yet surgical treatment is advised. I came across a discussion about whether Charlie Kirk experienced any pain during his situation, and it seemed that many people agreed he likely had no time to endure suffering. This leads me to wonder about my own husband. If one of his aneurysms ruptures, will he feel pain? Will he have the opportunity to alert me that something is seriously wrong? Will I have a moment to say my farewells?
Could It Be Viral Conjunctivitis?
This morning, I awoke with a bothersome right eye. It had some light, sticky, whitish discharge; thankfully, it wasn't thick enough to be troublesome like cobwebs, and I could still open my eye with ease. There was minor swelling around the bags under my eye, accompanied by noticeable redness. However, it wasn’t itchy or painful, and I didn’t feel any foreign object in my eye. I’ve been diligent about maintaining my eye hygiene, and after a few hours, the irritation seemed to reduce. Now, the area around my pupil is just a shade of pink, particularly near the inner corner by my nose, and the swelling has subsided. Throughout this, I’ve experienced no itching or discomfort. I consulted a physician through a video call, during which I showed her photos of my somewhat rosy eye. She recommended some hydrating eye drops due to the lack of itchiness or pain. She advised that if the condition doesn’t improve over the next couple of days, I should schedule a follow-up appointment. As the day draws to a close, my eye remains pink. My concern revolves around the fact that my college classes commence in just two days. Missing them is not an option, especially with the emphasis on labs and quizzes. I feel strongly that I need to keep up with my studies and not fall behind on my lab work. Thus, I find myself seeking reassurance or perhaps confronting the possibility that what I am experiencing might be viral conjunctivitis, or at the very least, prolonged irritation.
Hard Lump Behind Ear: Seeking Guidance
Hello, I’m a 43-year-old woman, weighing 200 pounds and standing at 5’11”, and I don’t smoke. My medical history includes atrial fibrillation, persistent bone fractures with slow healing, and chronic migraines. My current medications are metoprolol and Cardizem. Recently, on August 28, 2025, I detected a firm, fixed lump located behind my right ear. After visiting my general practitioner, I was informed that it was a cyst and advised to monitor it. Since then, I have been experiencing significant fatigue reminiscent of when I had mononucleosis in my youth, along with night sweats which I suspect could be due to menopause, and a persistent dry cough. One week later, I observed that the lump had increased in size. I visited an urgent care facility, where the doctor confirmed it was definitely an enlarged lymph node. I was given a chest X-ray and tests for mono, COVID-19, and the flu, all of which returned negative results. The doctor prescribed doxycycline in hopes of reducing the lymph node’s swelling. As of now, the lump has not diminished; it remains behind my right ear. I continue to feel fatigued, though the night sweats occur only occasionally now. Additionally, I have developed pain on the right side of my neck when attempting to turn my head left or right. What should I do next to address these health concerns? Thanks for your help!
Concerns Over Possible Carbon Monoxide Exposure
17-year-old male here. About 31 hours ago, I encountered a noxious gas just outside my apartment, which bore a resemblance to the scent of natural gas from an unlit stove. This lasted for approximately three minutes. Shortly after, within ten minutes, I developed a severe tension headache that felt like an intense pressure on both sides of my head, and this discomfort has not subsided since the incident. I was already planning to step outside, which I thought would help me breathe in some fresh air. I promptly contacted building management, but they assessed the situation and reported no signs of a gas leak. Upon returning home, I noted that the odor had dissipated. Since then, I have sensed a slight dullness in my mental faculties, although it could be attributed to anxiety or simply my imagination. I’m wondering if I should be worried about potential carbon monoxide poisoning, or any other gas-related issues, and whether there might be any risk of lasting brain damage. What are your thoughts?