A patient returns with pain 72 hours after extraction. What is the recommended treatment?

The recommended treatment for a patient experiencing pain 72 hours after a tooth extraction typically involves irrigation of the extraction site. This can help remove any debris or food particles that may be contributing to discomfort and may also aid in the prevention of complications like dry socket or infection.

At this stage, there is a possibility that the healing process is not progressing correctly, and symptoms may arise due to trapped food or other foreign materials. Gentle irrigation can promote healing and relieve pain by keeping the area clean.

Other options like prescribing antibiotics may not be necessary unless there is clear evidence of infection, and simply packing the site with gauze may not address the underlying issue if there's something exacerbating the pain that needs to be cleared out. Referring to a specialist could be an overstep if the situation can be managed through irrigation. Therefore, gentle irrigation stands out as the most appropriate immediate intervention to help alleviate pain 72 hours post-extraction.