How do I know if I'm getting a dry socket from a tooth extraction?

I had a back top right tooth pulled on Thursday. I've been very careful, but at the same time I've also been an idiot and had a few smokes while puffing VERY lightly. My extraction point hasn't hurt very much at all and by last night, I could barely notice it. After an "Intimate" night with my wife, I woke up this morning and I can feel some very small throbbing. Nothing painful, but I'm paranoid...


How do I know if my blood clot fell out (I cant see the hole because it was my very back right tooth and my gums and cheek block any clear visibility)? If it did, HOW LONG AFTER that clot fell out do I experience the severe pain I've been reading about associated with Dry Socket?


i.e. Is the pain instant, does it take a few days? or Is this small throb a sign of the onset of dry socket? Please Help. 10pts for great explination of what to expect... Thank You in advance!!

How do I know if I'm getting a dry socket from a tooth extraction?
Dry sockets start up from 3 to 5 days later, and it is very severe pain, yours doesnot seem as though it is headed that way. A small throb is not an indication, you feel continuous throbbing. Dont fiddle with your tongue there and hold off smoking for the next two days (yeah two days! sorry). The reason it forms is that the healing is impaired either by mechnical irritation, smoking included.
Reply:Oh you will know the pain would be unbearable. What your describing sounds normal

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