Originally Posted by Bryanna

Nikki,

It does sound like you have had some less than optimal dentistry. Do you only see a dentist when you have pain? If that is the case, then you may have other unhealthy teeth that are adding to the overall problem. I also wonder if the previous tooth extractions were done properly or not. It sounds like you have had some post operative complications with the extractions in general. That may be due in part to the dentists that you are choosing to see and without question the smoking will contribute to poor healing. Even if you only smoke minimally, it is a problem for many reasons.

I cannot say if this is your case or not but just to make you aware..... When a dental patient presents with various dental problems, it can be a bit difficult to treat that person as the probability of post op complications are increased due to the unhealthy state of their oral health. If that patient is a smoker, the likelihood of complications increases significantly. This could be some of the reasons why the dentists you have seen have seemed a bit detached from the quality of care. I am not justifying that type of dental care as I feel everyone is entitled to quality care. But all too often this is commonly how things are done, unfortunately.

You mentioned a periodontist. Do you see one regularly? Do you have periodontal disease? Is this someone who you trust and treats you okay? If so, then perhaps he is the one you should see for a post op examination of the extraction sites.

Also as I think more about this... the dentist may have packed the extraction sites prematurely to try and protect the surgical sites and prevent a dry socket from occurring due to the fact that you smoke. As I mentioned, smoking in any amount is likely to cause post op complications.

Bryanna