advice needed after extraction

[queencookie]

A week or so ago part of one of my top molars broke off. I'd often had problems with this particular tooth for many years, there was hardly any gum round it and it was loose. On examining it the dentist said the tooth was dead and best to take it out. The tooth was taken out on Monday morning and I hadn't had any problems with it. I has been asked to return today for a check up and although she said it was healing well she still packed it (with the clove tasting material). She didn't give me much information, just said the material would work itself put over the next few days.

I have a few questions. Should I still be rinsing with salt water while the packing is in? I'm trying not to eat on that side but it's hard to stop food going in there completely is it okay to rinse the area to remove any food particles. Will the packing stop any infection developing.

Thank you in advance for assistance.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

It sounds like the dentist tried to pack the socket to prevent a dry socket from occurring.  

The pack should stay in there while you gently rinse.  I wouldn't rinse too rigorously but rinsing the area to keep it clean is definitely a good idea

[queencookie]

Thank you for the information.  My mouth is feeling a lot better now.