Concerns About Potential Infection at Tooth Extraction Site: Four Days After Surgery
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old male, weighing 173 pounds and standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall. I do not smoke and have refrained from alcohol for the past three months, previously consuming it occasionally. I had a molar extraction on Wednesday morning (September 10), and I'm uncertain whether my extraction site is infected or healing as it should. I haven't examined it for about two days; however, this morning I woke up feeling a bit clammy but without a fever. I would rate the discomfort as mild, around 4 to 5 out of 10. My last dose was 400 mg of ibuprofen combined with 500 mg of Tylenol at around 8:30 PM, meaning it's been 12 hours since I took anything pain-relieving. I’ve been managing my medication since yesterday morning, taking it approximately every eight hours to reduce my intake of Tylenol to 1000 mg daily. Thanks for any insights or advice you can share!
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 1:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the healing process after a tooth extraction, especially regarding possible infection. Let’s address your situation and provide you with some guidance.
Key Points:
- Post-extraction symptoms: Some mild discomfort and changes in mood (like feeling clammy) can be normal but monitoring symptoms is crucial.
- Signs of infection: Knowing the signs of infection can help you determine if further action is needed.
- Pain management: It's important to manage your pain carefully to support healing.
Explanation:
After a molar extraction, it's normal to experience some discomfort and changes in how you feel. Given that you’ve had your extraction only four days ago, mild pain (rated 4-5 out of 10) can be expected. However, you did mention waking up feeling "clammy," which, while not severe, does warrant attention since it could indicate something more, even if you don't have a fever.
Potential signs of infection include:
- Increased swelling or redness around the extraction site after initially improving.
- Pus or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Fever or elevated body temperature.
- Severe pain that worsens instead of improving over a few days.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your extraction site and any changes in your overall feeling. Look for signs of infection each day.
- Pain Management: Continue taking your pain medications as you've been doing. Ensure you don’t exceed recommended dosages, especially of acetaminophen. You could consider taking your next dose of ibuprofen or Tylenol as advised to help manage discomfort.
- Hydration & Diet: Stay hydrated and eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Avoid anything too hot or spicy.
- Check for Symptoms: If your discomfort becomes more intense, or you develop other symptoms like fever, swelling, or pus, elevate your concern and reevaluate the need for medical attention.
If you see an increase in symptoms indicating infection or if the pain becomes unbearable despite medication, seek care promptly. Your well-being is the priority, so trust your instincts on any changes. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more specific advice!
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