Hello Julian, Thank you for posting. From your description I can only suggest three possibilities; a local infection or your body has rejected the stitches (thread) or post tooth removal irritation. You will need to visit your dentist to examine the area for infection and the thread. It is possible for the problem to be an infection because the mouth harbors a good number of bacteria ( reservoir for microorganisms) as it is a portal of entry of all microbes. So it is possible plus the fact that you slacked with using salt water that the area has become septic. Appropriate antibiotics would resolve the problem. Pain killer or antiinflammatory should also be included. The 2nd possibility is rejection of the surgical thread by your system. Just like an allergic reaction to the thread. This is usually very rare but a good possibility post surgery. 3rdly is irritation after the removal. This will resolve on its own within a few days. Nerve damage is always present each time any part of your body is bridged by either a trauma or surgically. But that should not call for concern at those levels. You will feel a lot better within a few days. Hope this helps and wish you the best