For those who have had wisdom teeth removed...

[mouse_chalk]

Ok, I hate to be harping on about this.... almost 3 weeks later! But I'm not sure if this is normal or not...

I had my 2 lower wisdom teeth removed on 20th May under general anaesthetic. Much swelling, agony, not being able to open mouth, etc etc. It's got a lot better since then, and one side is completely healed and not at all bothersome or painful, and there's only one stubborn stitch left in there (the rest have all fallen out).

But the other side, which also has only one stitch left, is still REALLY sore. If I chew anything, the action of meeting my top and bottom teeth really really hurts underneath the back teeth next to where my wisdom teeth would have been, and the side of my face is still really tender and painful. I've been taking Ibuprofen daily, although the other day it was bad enough for me to take stronger painkillers, but I'm trying not to take them. The site inside my mouth where the tooth itself was removed feels absoultely fine- no soreness at all to speak of.

Also, on that side, I had 2 stitches along my gumline further forward from where my wisdom tooth was. They fell out at the weekend, and it was fine in that spot. But now there is a large lump there that I can feel with my tongue, that definitely wasn't there before. Also, if I run my finger along my jawbone on the outside of my mouth, I can feel a lump that wasn't there before, and isn't there on the other side of my face. This really hurts too.

Also, my chin is still really numb/firey-feeling on one side, but I've been told this is normal.


ALSO (sorry lol), I still can't open my mouth further than about 1/3 of what I used to be able to- on the sore side, it feels like it just locks up. the other side is fine, and if it wasn't for the sore side, I don't think I'd have a problem, it just wont open! I spent all of last week trying to stretch it further, but it just hurt and I didn't get anywhere (plus I looked mighty silly in public lol).


I have gone on a bit now, as is normal for me, but I was just wondering, because I know there are a few of you out there who've had teeth removed, is this normal, at all? I don't want to make a fuss by going to my dentist if I'm just going to be told it's to be expected.... But I really didn't expect it to still be bad this far down the line! I can eat and all and I'm not exactly terminal or anything, but it would be really nice to be able to open my mouth properly again!

 

[degrassi]

You should probably go visit the dentist or your doctor, or atleast call them. After 3 weeks it shouldn't still hurt that much.

 

[Luvmyzoocrew]

I agree with Degrassi , i had mine out many, many, many moons ago so i dont specifically remember, but by three weeks i was back to normal i know that. I had all four removed, and three were totally impacted/covered by bone. Mine was a hospital visit. I think i remember them telling to try opening and closing my mouth several times a day so it doesnt get stiff and then i wont be able to open it. I would defintely call them and go in and see them, just to ease your mind

 

[SweetSassy]

I agree. I've had my wisdom teeth cut out (all 4)and it only took like a week to recover. I would go see a doctor.

 

[Little Bay Poo]

Yikes. Yeah, go see a doctor.

I had two taken out (1 top, 1 bottom) and was off pain meds after three days. It took just over one week to heal completely. I remember going in for my 1 week follow up appointment and having very minor pain only when I opened my mouth wide.

3 weeks is way too long, and it sounds like you are in a lot of pain!

 

[hartleybun]

mouse_chalk wrote:

Ok, I hate to be harping on about this....

harp away all you like! that's what we're here for wont go into my ongoing saga with me teeth - still got some! - but im with the others. took over a week for my mouth to go back to normal - the last pain to go was the one which went from the inside of my ear and down my neck

what's your dentist like? mine's very good and i'd always go to him before my GP. three weeks does sound a long time to still be in pain. i can only hope that the bruising has disappearedray:

donna

 

[kherrmann3]

Ah! Sounds like a dry socket! All 4 of mine went to dry sockets. Is it like a pain under the rest of your teeth? Like in your jaw? It sounds like dry sockets to me.

 

[mouse_chalk]

kherrmann3 wrote:

Ah! Sounds like a dry socket! All 4 of mine went to dry sockets. Is it like a pain under the rest of your teeth? Like in your jaw? It sounds like dry sockets to me.

Can that still happen 3 weeks after surgery? Everything I've read says that it normally happens a few days afterwards and heals up pretty quick... Although I do have a really bad taste in my mouth, but then I had it for about a week after as well- it was FOUL- the only thing I can describe it is like tasting rotten meat in my mouth :expressionless Now it's not nearly as bad, but still not very pleasant...


And yes, the pain is 'under' the teeth next to the extraction site, but also in the gums sort of at the bottom of my cheek, and that's where a big lump is too...

I didn't call the dentist yet- I still feel silly and worry that they're just gonna tell me it's normal and not to worry, and I'll have wasted their time plus the money...

It's really painful today though. The other side has now swollen up loads as well (previously completely fine and not at all painful or swollen) and is really painful. The pain is going all up the sides of my face and I have a terrible headache.... :cry1::cry1::cry1:

Doesn't help that I've been super-dizzy and falling over all day as well... Feeling very sorry for myself lol!

 

[kherrmann3]

If I remember right, mine developed 1-2 weeks later. It started as a little pain, then just got worse. I had to go in every day to have them pack treated gauze into the sockets (sounds bad, but wasn't too terrible).

 

[degrassi]

GO TO THE DENTIST! Or at least call and talk to them.

It shouldn't still be hurting after 3 weeks, something is wrong. It could be dry sockets, a problem with the nerves or an infection(you have taken your temp?)

 

[wabbitmom12]

Jen, it really sounds like you have an infection (or dry socket).

Go! Go to the dentist. You don't want it to spread into the jawbone, as you would be looking at some serious oral surgery, and it would also weaken the health of your other teeth. You deserve to feel good, sodon't second-guess yourself.:nod

 

[aurora369]

I agree, call the dentist!!!

The lump, the pain and the foul taste all scream infection to me. You should have them look right away. The sooner it is caught, the better off you will be in terms of treatment.

I had my two bottom wisdoms out two years ago, and as soon as my stitches where gone I felt awesome. I pulled one stitch, so I had to flush the cavity for a couple weeks, but it stopped hurting after the first week.

So, get your butt down to the dentist's office first thing tomorrow morning (or now if they are open)!

--Dawn

 

[kherrmann3]

Like I said before, the treatment for dry sockets is kind of uncomfortable, but it's only temporary, and MAN! does it make you feel better! I couldn't eat anything when all 4 sockets went. My whole jaw ached below the gum-line. I held off for a day or two before I went in again (I'm stubborn). DON'T WAIT! It won't get better on its own!

Good luck! We need our Jen to have her smile back!

 

[mouse_chalk]

Ouch! Consider my butt well and truly kicked!!

Thanks though guys... I was feeling all ready to call the dentist this morning and then my mum popped round out of the blue. I told her about my mouth and she said 'oh, it's still early days yet... it's probably still just the swelling' :grumpy::grumpy::grumpy:

But I called the dentist anyway, and spoke to the dental nurse. She thinks a possible infection but they want to see me anyway, so I am going in at 6pm this evening.

Thanks for kicking my butt! Although I probably wont thank you when they prescribe the usual metronidazole and I'm throwing up for days LOL!

 

[wabbitmom12]

mouse_chalk wrote:

Ouch! Consider my butt well and truly kicked!!

You know we only kick yourbutt because we love you!! :nod

 

[SnowyShiloh]

I'm glad you're going in! Also, I can't believe dentists are open at 6 pm there... I always have to go in at like 7:30 in the morning.

 

[wabbitmom12]

mouse_chalk wrote:

Thanks though guys... I was feeling all ready to call the dentist this morning and then my mum popped round out of the blue. I told her about my mouth and she said 'oh, it's still early days yet... it's probably still just the swelling' :grumpy::grumpy::grumpy:

Sorry to contradict mum - but simple swelling shouldn't hurt that much.

I just looked at the time - you are probably at the dentist right now. with the time difference "across the pond". ray:that the dentist can find the source of the pain and that it's easily treatable, WITHOUT the antibiotic that makes you so sick!

 

[mouse_chalk]

I'm back! I got there early as my taxi was really early (had only done half my makeup!) so they saw me earlier...

I have metronidazole :rollseyes He thinks possibly an infection from bateria etc getting into the little holes where my stitches were and also where the teeth were removed, along with the swelling. I have a lot of scar tissue around there, which is getting squished when I bite down and getting inflamed more, and he thinks it's possibly getting worse at night.

He was surprised at the level (or, lack of) aftercare I received- he normally tells patients with teeth impacted and so deep as mine that recovery should be about 3-4 MONTHS!! :shock: So it's normal to still have some swelling and to not be able to open my mouth- he thinks that will come back in time. He said that effectively it's like breaking a limb, since they have to remove bone, and all that to get them out. I'm just glad I was asleep!

He also gave me a medicated mouthwash, Peroxyl to use to try and flush the bacteria out and said that given the metro makes me so sick, I can try that for a couple of days if I want. It's pretty dangerous to drink alcohol with the metro so he said that if I was planning to go out at the weekend I may want to hold off until Sunday! LOL! Incidentally I am planning on going out but I'd rather not have a drink than still be in this much pain!


Anyway, I'm glad I went. It's put my mind to rest. And hopefully the antibiotics will help!


Thanks guys! I'm so glad I have you all to kick my butt when I'm being silly! :group:

 

[wabbitmom12]

Well now see, you weren't being a baby or imagining pain that wasn't there.

Sounds like he's going to get you all fixed up.

Have you tried swishing with salt water to help with the pain? This can be done several times a day, and I usually get some relief. Just dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 t of salt in 8 oz of very warm water and swish it around. I usually try to concentrate on the side that is bothering me.

I hope you feeling well enough to get out this weekend!