the another tooth now

i had an extraction done last wednesday, it was my first front molar. i know it's gotta heal and the dentist really had a lot of hard work to get it out. however the small tooth next to it is very tender. is it just bruised from all the work. i can't ask me dentist as i was he last patient before he retired. am i over reacting and it will take longer to settle than hoped. i have visions of slowly losing every tooth because of it.

[Gellia]

Hi,
Extraction trauma can make neighboring teeth sensitive for awhile.  It can also start up an infection in neighboring teeth if one was present already.  You could also have a dry socket there that radiates the pain to the next tooth.

Are you GENTLY rinsing with salt water? Use salt water to rinse three or four times a day.  1/4 tsp in 8oz of warm water, rinse gently (NO swishing) and then let it fall out of your mouth.  I would suggest that you visit your dentist again but if he's not there anymore, a dry socket (if that's what it is) will go away but can be very painful doing it.  

If the pain doesn't go away shortly, and it is an infection in the next tooth, you need antibiotics and a dental visit is imperative.  

Hope this helps.
My very best to you and I hope you will be pain free shortly.
Gellia