Initial Image Analysis & Client Concern

• Image Observations: You did not upload an image for this specific case, so the analysis is based solely on your description.

• Client Statement: "Had an extraction yesterday. This is what it looks like today. Did the filling come out? Does it look normal?"

  • "Filling come out?": A tooth extraction leaves an empty socket (a hole in the jawbone), not a "filling." The primary concern is whether the protective blood clot—the body's natural "filling" or plug—has come out.

  • The Look: Many patients see a white or grayish-white substance in the socket 12 to 48 hours after the procedure and worry it is a lost clot or an infection.

Full Analysis and Diagnosis: Post-Extraction Healing

The appearance of the socket can be alarming, but what you are seeing is often normal healing.

1. The Normal "White Stuff"

The most common cause of a white appearance the day after extraction is a sign of proper healing.

• What it is: After the blood clot forms (which is dark red/purple), the body quickly begins laying down a delicate layer of tissue called granulation tissue and a gathering of white blood cells to protect the area.

• Appearance: This tissue is often creamy white, gray-white, or yellowish and looks like a membrane or "plug."

• Is it Normal? Yes. If you are managing pain well with prescribed or over-the-counter medication, and there is no severe foul odor or taste, this white tissue is a positive sign that your socket is healing correctly.

2. The Concern: Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)

This is the main complication you need to rule out.

• What it is: Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, usually 2-4 days after the extraction, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.

• Appearance: The socket often looks empty—you may see a visible white-ish exposed bone instead of the dark clot.

• Symptom: The key sign is severe, throbbing, radiating pain that usually starts to worsen 2-3 days after the surgery (although pain can be intense within 24 hours). This pain is much worse than the initial extraction pain and may radiate to your ear, eye, or temple.

Time Frame to Heal

• Initial Soft Tissue Healing: 1-2 weeks. The gum tissue will mostly close over the socket in this time.

• Bone Healing: Can take several months to completely fill in.

• If it takes 14 days: By day 14, the gum tissue should be largely closed over the socket, and pain should be minimal or gone. If pain is severe at this point, it indicates a complication.

Process to Execute

1. Follow Up: Call your dentist/oral surgeon immediately to describe your symptoms and appearance. They are the only ones who can confirm if the site is healing normally or if it needs intervention.

2. Continue Home Care: Follow the instructions given to you: gently rinse with warm salt water after the first 24 hours, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, spitting forcefully, and eating crunchy/hard foods near the site.

What Will Be the Issue That Will Scale Up?

The issue that will scale up is Dry Socket or an Infection.

• Dry Socket: The exposed nerve and bone lead to intense pain and delayed healing that can last 1-2 weeks until the dentist treats it with a medicated dressing.

• Infection: If the white material turns into yellow or white pus, or if you develop a fever and increased swelling after the first 48 hours, it is an infection that requires antibiotics.

Next Steps and Recommended Action

Action Required: Call your dentist now for a follow-up consultation.

Search using our directory listing: I recommend contacting the clinic that performed the extraction first. If you cannot reach them, use the link to find a nearby clinic that handles emergency and follow-up care.

• Directory Listing: https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic