Hi

This is probably aimed at Dr Joshi. I had one of my molars extracted 5 weeks ago prior to my radio-therapy. The tooth was on the opposite side to the area which I have the radio-therapy on. I just wondered how long it would take for the hole left in my gum to heal up? As I constantly get food (when I do eat :sigh: ) compacted in the cavity. I have to remove this with a tooth pick as brushing and rinsing does not always remove it.

Hello Parky

An extraction socket usually fills with blood that forms a clot that 'organised' to form new bone and got covered over by new gum. After 5 weeks, the shallow depression should be slowly filingl out and remodeling.

Sometimes, healing is delayed as in a 'dry socket', the clot doesn't form and the 'hole is left to heal slowly from below. It collects food and is often painful owing to the exposed bone. It is treated by trying to recreate a clot or dressing the site while nature does its work. So keeping it clean like you are doing is the right thing. You might find using a Monojet syringe with chlorhexidine (Corsodyl) or warm salt water helpful for washing out the food debris and keeping the site clean. I suggest you see your dentist/oral surgeon for advice and getting the syringe.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Hello Parky

An extraction socket usually fills with blood that forms a clot that 'organised' to form new bone and got covered over by new gum. After 5 weeks, the shallow depression should be slowly filing out and remodeling.

Sometimes, healing is delayed as in a 'dry socket', the clot doesn't form and the 'hole is left to heal slowly from below. It collects food and is often painful owing to the exposed bone. It is treated by trying to recreate a clot or dressing the site while nature does its work. So keeping it clean like you are doing is the right thing. I suggest you see your dentist/oral surgeon for advice.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: