I got a lower molar pulled a week ago and I think the clot is loose. I was having a soft breakfast eating at the other side of my mouth when I thought some food got caught on it. It didn't move easily with my tongue so I looked in the mirror and I think the clot is loose. It's kind of yellowy brown, like the colour of a scab on your knee when you fall as a kid!

It was painful day 1-2, a little better day 3, worse day 4-5 but a little better day 6 (yesterday).

I don't think I've especially bad breath (considering I haven't been able to brush properly in a week!) it doesn't taste bad and it's only aching a bit today compared to previous days. So I'm hoping it's not dry socket. The dentist only said eat soft food for a couple of days and do nothing the day it's removed but rinse from Day 2 with salty water.

Is the clot meant to fall out and when should this happen? And if it does dislodge, does it matter at this stage? Thanks so much.

I actually never even noticed when mine broke down and disappeared so i can't tell you that. What I can say is that it doesn't really sound like dry socket. I would say that you could probably wait and see what happens. See if the pain gets worse or better and go from there. If you are concerned, go back to the dentist and have it looked at.

Thanks, that's reassuring

The clot is there for as long as it takes to heal. That is why it's there. It doesn't sound like you have dry socket; dry socket doesn't mean pain. You probably have a low pain threshold. You can brush properly just not in the area of the extraction. Rinsing with salt water should get rid of any bacteria that cause bad breath anyway, as well as helping the healing process in your mouth.

To ease your mind, see your dentist; he is there for the aftercare.