Following tooth removal, it will usually take 4-6 weeks for the gum to heal completely. Until then, food-trapping in the open tooth socket(s) is common.
The sockets of lower molar teeth, including those of lower wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.
The trapping of food may delay healing and cause bad breath and a bad taste to develop.
Despite this, it is rarely a serious problem, but may be associated with pain and/or swelling.
You can reduce the chance of food collecting in the socket(s) by pureeing your food for the first 1-2 weeks and if appropriate, by favouring the other side of your mouth whilst eating.
If food-trapping is a problem, your Jason Erasmus may recommend the use of an irrigation syringe.
Irrigating the extraction socket(s)
Add half a teaspoon of table salt or a capful of the mouthwash prescribed, to a glass of warm water and draw this up into the syringe.
While looking in the mirror, place the tip of the syringe over the socket and irrigate. Any food trapped in the socket should be flushed out.
Repeat as required.
Usually you will only need to do this for the first 1-2 weeks while the socket is open.
If you have any problems, please contact us: Office: 03 3551155 or Jason Erasmus: 021 873 783