Last wed. i developed periocoronitis on a lower wisdom tooth. after 3 days on antibiotics tooth was extracted, the infection was still there. should i worry about dry socket? i am 48 hours post op.thx

Oral surgeon: You need to discuss with the dentist or oral surgeon and get this reassessed. You do not want to wind up with osteomyelitis of the mandible. A very severe and possibly disfiguring and disabling condition. Go back, get seen and ask for second opinion if not satisfied.

Yes: Any time a lower wisdom tooth is extracted, you should be concerned about dry socket. However, dry socket is not a true infection, and unrelated to the pericoronitis you had. Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) happens in about 10 - 15% of extraction cases. You will know by the third or fourth day if you have it. Deep throbbing pain is the key - if so get it packed immediately and you will be fine.

See the surgeon: Normal healing takes time however make sure no infection is present.

Not likely: Since you've been on antibiotics before, and you should be still after the extraction on antibiotics, maintain good oral hygiene , you shouldn't be worried about a dry socket. You probably have a follow up visit with your dentist if you experience any pain or discomfort a week after the extraction.