There is a piece of food wedged into the small opening of my socket. My information packet has clear instructions not to use a waterpik or mouthwash, and I don't know if it's smart to use any random sharp object (toothpick, tweezers, etc) to try and get it out. I tried using the salt water rinse, but it did not come out. Is it just a matter of time before it becomes infected? Do I need to go in to the office ASAP? I'm freaking myself out!

Background: I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted last Tuesday by an oral surgeon. Minimal pain and swelling from the getgo. Info. packet stated after 48 hours, to resume a normal diet as soon as possible (I waited until day 5, though because I worry too much). I believe my dissolving stitches starting coming out this morning because I kept finding black spots/pieces on my tongue or around the next molar. The gums seem to be healing fine, as I can tell the "hole" isn't much of a hole as it is a small line, filled in with black whenever I look at it.

when it comes to teeth everything freeks me out , I would call or just take a ride to the Doc's office and I am sure they would remove it for you , plus I would go even if there was nothing stuck there just so they could take a look and make sure everything is looking good back there

Hi butterscotchcharlie,

You aksed...
<< I tried using the salt water rinse, but it did not come out. Is it just a matter of time before it becomes infected? >>

No, it is not inevitable that you will get an infection from a small piece of food debris. The debris is most likely not wedged in very far and will come out on it's own. No, you should not try to pull it out with anything like tweezers because the tweezers could introduce bacteria into the socket which could cause an infection. Keep rinsing daily with the warm salt water... use a LIGHT sucking or swishing motion while rinsing as if you were trying to pull something away from that area. If the gum tissue turns red or starts to become painful, then see your dentist. Otherwise a little food debris in the area of a well healing extraction site is normal.

I would however, not go back to eating a regular diet until the site is closed completely. Why risk it when it's going so good??

Bryanna

"Why risk it when it's going so good??"

I guess sometimes I just miss the obvious... I am so tired of soups and pudding, but you make a very good point about it not being worth the risk. I just figured since I have no pain and the dentist's packet said to resume a normal diet as soon as possible (after 48 hrs), I thought I was in the clear for soft foods, socket fully closed or not.

Since posting this, I think the debris has cleared, I MIGHT be able to see a little bit left. No pain, just a mild discomfort that you get when you feel like something is in the back of your mouth. I keep wanting to stick my tongue back there to fix it! But, I have a feeling it could just me overthinking it.