need I worry?

[worriedwart]

I had a wisdom extracted about 4 days ago.  It was not impacted and my regular dentist did the procedure.  The crown of the wisdom was exposed and very loose.  It was angling towards another tooth so it had to come out.  

I can see the hole where the tooth used to be and its black and healing good.  My concern is what happens if food particles gets stuck in the hole. I had some rice stuck in there and I had to gargle and put water in the mouth for about 30 min to dislodge.  I'm eating on one side of the mouth.  

My questions are:

1. when can I start eating on both sides again
2. Is it ok if  food is in the hole and i was told that the food will eventually come out as the hole heals and closes.

Thanks

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I would try to avoid eating on that side to prevent any food from getting into the socket.  The gums heal quite rapidly so give it some time to close up.  Meanwhile, do gargle and try to keep the socket clean.  If food gets stuck in there, there'll be a bad taste and smell from the area so you want to keep it clean.  If there is some food leftover in there, it will be ok as the gums will push or dissolve any material in there over time.

[worriedwart]

I forgot to mention I'm on penicillin now because the tooth was infected before extraction.