Is it infected?

okay my brother had his tooth taken out yesterday and today the area around where the tooth was taken out has turned white and is letting of a horrible taste? is this normal or could this be an infection? i have never had a tooth out so wouldn't know and i google it and didn't find much help at all, this is just normal tooth not a wisdom tooth, any information or help would be great, this tooth was taken out in an Emergency dentist as he was suffering terrible with it, i was thinking he could have a general gum infection?

Is it infected?
Yes, it is possible that this area could be infected and the bad taste originating from the area can be an indicator of this. Does your brother smoke? If so there is a condition called dry socket that can result in pain/bad taste - this can be confirmed by a Dentist.


I would really highly stress the importance of him seeing a Dentist to confirm the source/reason behind the bad taste. If he does need an antibiotic the sooner the better. Is he having pain at this time?


Rinsing gentle with warm salt water can help draw out infection if it's present. Rinsing with warm salt water should not be done on the day of an extraction - due to the clotting process and not wanting to dislodge a clot once it's formed.


Was your brother prescribed an antibiotic? If so, it does take 24-48 hours for them to become fully effective. If your brother is not allergic to Advil (ibuprofen) that may help with discomfort because it's an anti-inflammatory/pain killer in one. Of course if he's allergic or has a reaction discontinue usage immediately.


This is just meant as helpful info - and not to be considered a diagnosis - just merely a suggestion. I really think he should see a Dentist to confirm what is going on and offer a definitive treatment.
Reply:Hmmm, sounds like it may well be infected. The best bet is to go and see your dentist about it.
Reply:Yes it could be an infection, when my husband had an emergency tooth pull he was jut great right after, if it was gum disease then you would have known before if he had been having problems, you need to get back to the dentist to make sure, also check web MD
Reply:what do you think? take him back to where the dentist came from and get help ASAP. Or you could just let him suffer instead of asking google qnd Yahoo and wasting time.


OK you can get good answers to non immediate questions but if someone is suffering you get immediate help ie local


dentist or A%26amp;E hospital.
Reply:Yes. It sounds like he has what is called a dry socket. It causes an offensive odor and can turn the gum white.


This happens when a blood clot is dislodged from the surgery site and then exposing the bone and fine nerve endings. He needs to see his dentist so he can have it treated it.
Reply:It sounds normal to me %26amp; have done thousands of extractions. Quit worrying give it time!! Doc W
Reply:...allrite......firstly from the clinical point of view....it seams to be infected....as ur sayin it has turned white and is giving out a fetid odour and taste....most probably it is a "Dry Socket".....it would be appropriate you consult a good oral surgeon ASAP....who will irrigate and dress the extraction wound......which shall give him relief....a dose of antibiotics and anti inflammatory is also recommended........any thin else keep us posted.....