[ExpectoGadget]

Last Friday I had a wisdom tooth extracted with no problems, no swelling and no pain afterwards. But this Monday after dinner I noticed something in the extraction area and figured it was just food that'd got stuck there so I tried washing it out with water and then I picked at it with a wooden toothpick I'd put it boiled water. Then I figured it was not food so I left it alone but I'm afraid I may have disrupted the healing process.
Do I need to see my dentist about this?

[joypulv]

If no pain, no swelling, no fever, then just proceed with lots of rinsing and very gentle brushing of the gum to stimulate new gum growth and to slough off dead tissue. (And don't do any more poking.)

[tickle]

It is a popular misconception to see 'something' in an extraction site. Our bodies are wonderful at keeping us from harm, we only harm ourselves.

From someone who used to deal with hygiene and instructions at an oral surgeon's office, rinsing yes, no brushing around the extraction site, the rinsing does it all. New gum growth will take care of itself in a healthy mouth.

[joypulv]

My oral surgeon does want gentle stimulation of the gums by brushing them, after 2 or 3 days. I think it might be part of new theories about this subject. Regular tooth care by brushing and flossing does include stimulation of the gums.

I copied from one dental site:
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. You may feel the sharp edge of the socket with your tongue and sometimes, little bits of bone may make their way to the surface and work their way out. This is perfectly normal and harmless.

(Many surgeons say 72 hours instead of 24.)