Any dentists here?

[jdub1107]

I had my lower right wisdom tooth removed last Wednesday and it took 2 hours. The tooth that was removed was growing perpendicular to the tooth next to it. The procedure took so long because the tooth had a 'hook-like' piece at the end of it that prevented the dentist from just yanking it out. He had to drill and cut more than normal and I suspect this would cause more than average pain and recovery time.

What I am worried about is whether my wound is infected. How would I know if it is? I feel a throbbing pain and there is a bit of swelling on the right side of my lower jaw. I also have a funny taste in my mouth (maybe blood like? Taste the same as when my wisdom tooth was infected and had to get it cleaned prior to the removal).

I don't want to bother the guy again since on the day of the procedure I had to meet him at 9pm at the office again because my wound didn't stop bleeding after 2 hrs. My fault though, since apparently I didn't bite the gauze hard enough.

I'm taking anti-biotics and Tylenol 3 right now. Should I be concerned with my state?

edit: I still have the stitches in. Not sure if that's causing the pain either.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Have you been rinsing with diluted mouthwash and using your syringes properly?

Edit - Regardless, if you have a concern, see the surgeon who performed the removal. That's what you pay the money for - the removal and the post-op care.

- M4H

 

[Jzero]

Don't feel bad about "bothering" the dentist - it's his job.

 

[jdub1107]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Have you been rinsing with diluted mouthwash and using your syringes properly?

Edit - Regardless, if you have a concern, see the surgeon who performed the removal. That's what you pay the money for - the removal and the post-op care.

- M4H

I didn't want to use mouthwash, incase it burned. Maybe I should though. I've jsut been brusing lightly around the area. I don't have syringes. What would they be for?

 

[StageLeft]

Edit - Regardless, if you have a concern, see the surgeon who performed the removal. That's what you pay the money for - the removal and the post-op care.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: jdub1107

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Have you been rinsing with diluted mouthwash and using your syringes properly?

Edit - Regardless, if you have a concern, see the surgeon who performed the removal. That's what you pay the money for - the removal and the post-op care.

- M4H

I didn't want to use mouthwash, incase it burned. Maybe I should though. I've jsut been brusing lightly around the area. I don't have syringes. What would they be for?

Okay, after that, definitely go.

The mouthwash burns because it's disinfecting the area, and the syringe is for shooting it down into the gaping hole in your gum where the tooth was.

Go see the doc who yanked it. And if you're on Tylenol 3, don't drive.

- M4H

 

[jdub1107]

I've been driving on Tylenol 3. I was kind of hoping the codeine would have a stronger effect on me. When my g/f took it before, it made her loopy.
I'm currently at work, but I'll give the dentist a call after I get off tonight and see what he says then.

 

[3point14]

Sounds a lil like what I had. Close to dry socket, but not quite. Go to the dental surgeon and e/she will put some stuff on it for ya. It will take real bitter and spicy, but it works.
If you don't want to bother with the dentist just get an ice skate, rent "Castaway," then fast forward about 45 minutes into the movie. The rest is self-explanatory.

 

[MidasKnight]

I'm taking anti-biotics and Tylenol 3 right now. Should I be concerned with my state?

I bet you'll be fine. Look for discharge around the wound though. Make sure your jaw in that area is not overly feverish. You should double check with the dentist or call your Doctor to make sure. Do what ever you need to do to be certain you health is good.

 

[RbSX]

Originally posted by: jdub1107

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Have you been rinsing with diluted mouthwash and using your syringes properly?

Edit - Regardless, if you have a concern, see the surgeon who performed the removal. That's what you pay the money for - the removal and the post-op care.

- M4H

I didn't want to use mouthwash, incase it burned. Maybe I should though. I've jsut been brusing lightly around the area. I don't have syringes. What would they be for?

Man you're stupid, how else are you supposed to keep bacteria out of there?

 

[gourmettea]

Originally posted by: jdub1107
I've been driving on Tylenol 3. I was kind of hoping the codeine would have a stronger effect on me. When my g/f took it before, it made her loopy.
I'm currently at work, but I'll give the dentist a call after I get off tonight and see what he says then.

Tylenol 3...blah......ya need to ask for some Norco 10mg by name....i think it's 10 mg of Hydro + 300 mg of tylenol...the vicodin with least amount of tylenol....SAVE THE LIVER!

 

[nakedfrog]

Geez. When I had all of mine removed, I bled for like eight hours (they also had to break my lower two teeth into many small pieces--took a bit over two hours). Then I was fine.
No swelling, no pain, and I was eating normal foods the very next day. Of course, I used mouthwash and the syringe to make sure any food that got stuck back there got washed down.

 

[jdub1107]

This sounds like what I have from WebMD:

Dry socket. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs when either a blood clot has failed to form in the extracted tooth socket or else the blood clot that did form has been dislodged. Without clot formation, healing will be delayed. When it happens, dry socket typically occurs 3 or 4 days following the extraction and is accompanied by pain (ranging from "dull" to moderate to severe) and a foul mouth odor. Your dentist or oral surgeon will treat the dry socket by placing a medicated dressing in the socket. Dressing will need to be removed and replaced every 24 hours until symptoms subside.

Side note:

Man you're stupid, how else are you supposed to keep bacteria out of there?

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed. Do not use commercial mouth rinses.

 

[jdub1107]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Geez. When I had all of mine removed, I bled for like eight hours (they also had to break my lower two teeth into many small pieces--took a bit over two hours). Then I was fine.
No swelling, no pain, and I was eating normal foods the very next day. Of course, I used mouthwash and the syringe to make sure any food that got stuck back there got washed down.

Lucky bastard. I wish I could eat normal food. I can't even open my mouth all the way yet.