Case Study: Tooth Decay and Gum Infection in a Child (Age 6–9)

Parent’s Concern

“My child complains of pain and discomfort at the back teeth. The gums look irritated and there’s a dark spot on the tooth.”

Clinical Observation (From Image)

Upon detailed zoom examination of the image:

• The lower molar shows visible brownish decay, possibly from a large cavity or broken filling.

Impacted Tooth Extraction Healing Review (Day 7 Post-Op)

From the photo you provided, the extraction site shows a reddish-pink area with some yellowish or whitish tissue. This is likely granulation tissue — a normal part of the healing process.
The absence of a dark empty socket suggests that a dry socket is unlikely. Some redness near the gum line and mild swelling are expected, especially if sutures are still in place. The yellowish area may also be a fibrin layer, a natural “scab” that protects the wound.

Did You Know?

Plaque and tartar aren’t the same thing — but they’re closely related! Understanding how they form and how to treat them is key to maintaining a healthy, confident smile.

 What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that forms on your teeth every single day.
You can usually feel it as a fuzzy layer when you haven’t brushed in a while.

1) Short summary of what’s likely happening

After a recent filling, mild sensitivity for a few days is common, especially to hot, cold or pressure. But the combination you describe — pain when drinking (likely thermal or fluid pressure) and a squeaking/grating feeling during chewing — raises a few possibilities:

Likely causes (ranked by probability)