Question:

I had my right upper wisdom tooth removed saturday, and i was diagnosed with dry socket tuesday, dentist put medicated gauzes in the socket, prescribed Cephal…(antibiotic), went back Wednesay, and today, and i honestly don`t feel like i`m getting any better, how long before the pain and the swelling starts going away, my right side of the face is really swollen, nothing seems to be helping. is there anything else i should be doing at home, or even my dentist. please help. I`m going on vacation next week and i really want this to go away.

Answer:

Unfortunately, everyone reacts differently to extractions. The combination of the dry socket and the swelling can take over a week in certain instances. Keep taking the antibiotic as directed and alternate hot and cold 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. If you don’t have any allergies or other reason not to take it, I would take 400 mg ibuprofen four times a day.

Hopefully, you will be ready to go for your vacation.

For more information:

Go to the Dental and Oral Health (Adults) health topic.