Can you tell me what does white film on my gums mean during wisdom teeth healing?

Hey all, just had my 4 wisdom teeth taken out on Monday and really don't know too much about the surgery. Surgeon didn't really describe much of it/tell me much about how easy/hard it was to do, and he also didn't make any follow-up appointments to check in.

Three days in, I feel pretty good! The right side of my mouth feels completely fine and the upper left does as well, but the lower left side of my mouth feels a bit sore. When I look at the holes, it looks as if they're all doing well, but I've noticed that my lower left side has a white film both over the cavity and alongside the gum in the back

I've looked online and saw that the white film can kind of be explained by healing/plaque building up thanks to not being able to brush over it just yet. However, the general soreness/ache I'm experiencing along the lower left jawline has me wondering if it's something more. Can anyone help?

Hi! Here are some general points to consider:

Post-Extraction Healing: Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure, and the recovery process typically takes several days to a couple of weeks. Soreness and discomfort are normal during this period.
White Film: The white film you're seeing could be a normal part of the healing process. It may indicate the formation of a protective blood clot or the start of tissue healing. However, if you have concerns about infection or unusual discharge, it's best to consult your oral surgeon or dentist.
Soreness on Lower Left Side: Soreness on one side of the mouth, especially the lower jawline, is not uncommon after wisdom tooth extraction. It can result from the manipulation of tissues during surgery and should improve as you continue to heal.
Oral Hygiene: Your dentist or oral surgeon likely provided post-operative instructions, including guidelines for oral hygiene. It's essential to follow these instructions carefully to prevent infection and promote healing. You may be advised to rinse with warm saltwater or a prescribed mouthwash and to avoid brushing near the surgical sites for a few days.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) prescribed by your oral surgeon or dentist can help manage discomfort. Make sure to take them as directed.
Diet: Stick to soft and cool foods during the initial days of recovery. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods that could irritate the surgical sites.
Swelling: Some swelling is common after wisdom tooth extraction. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your face (for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) during the first 24-48 hours can help reduce swelling.
Monitoring: Continue to monitor your healing process. If you notice any signs of infection (such as excessive redness, pus, severe pain, or fever), contact your oral surgeon or dentist immediately.
Follow-Up: If you haven't been scheduled for a follow-up appointment, it might still be a good idea to call your oral surgeon's office and request one. This way, they can assess your healing progress and address any concerns in person.