I had my lower back molar extracted on Monday at noon. There was a white mucusy looking lump that formed in the socket, that now feels loose- I've been at work all day today (and therefore talking a lot) and I'm worried that I might have done something bad that loosened it--- From what I've read, this white junk that was in the socket is important to healing, but eventually will go away... I just can't find anything saying how long it's supposed to be there for and if it is cause for concern if it is loose- I can feel it moving in the socket every so often... sound gross, I know, but I'm worried. Terrified of dry socket- and hoping that everything is healing OK. :eek:

Please let me know how this sounds... am I doomed to more pain, or is this normal?

It's gone now. I think I swallowed it. If I were going to get dry socket, would I feel it immediately? Or does it take time?
Scared... hope someone can answer this soon, I'm freaking out! I don't think I can handle any more dental pain!

You are probably OK at this point if you haven't experienced any pain. Just rinse gently a few times a day with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

Hello, thanks for your response. I actually hadn't lost it- just couldn't see it in the mirrors at work because of the dim lighting. Today, though (going on day 7 after extraction) it is definitely gone. Is that normal? No pain yet either, and it must've disappeared throughout the day at some point today- saw a lot less of it when I woke up this morning than was there when I went to sleep- and then just now I checked and there's none of the white stuff left. Am I still OK?
What are the odds of getting drysocket at this point (extracted Mon at noon, now Sunday). Thanks!

Dentist put no stitches if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Sounds like you are in the clear. Stop worrying and keep the area clean.

Ok, will do. Thanks!