snowclover,
It's best that you don't research about jaw abscesses because every case is a bit different and is treated accordingly. So what you may be reading may not fit your situation at all.
I did not discuss abscesses with you because it may not have been an abscess at the onset and I did not want to alarm you unnecessarily. That is why I kept stressing to have the xray done.
The area will be sore from the incision and the sutures. Keep in mind that there is an infection which causes a great deal of inflammation. So the area is "heated up" to begin with. Making an incision in a hot inflamed area is going to result in soreness
You need to keep the area clean. Did the os recommend salt water rinsing? If the salt stings, then just use warm water to rinse with. NO mouthwash.
You can also apply moist heat (comfortably warm) to the outside of your face over this area a few times a day. The moist heat draws the blood to flow into the area which can reduce pain and swelling and speed up the healing.
You need to watch for swelling, fever, or an increase rather then decrease of pain within the next 2-3 days. If any of those develop, do not hesitate to get back to the oral surgeon. Just a note ... if this os is making you feel put off or that he's not concerned about this infection, please consider consulting with a different oral surgeon. You would need pre and post op xrays to see a new surgeon.
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowclover
I've done a bit of research and learned the risks of untreated abscesses which were not explained to me and I am a bit freaked out.
I'm hoping for an eventless recovery from here as well though I'm terrified of the abscess returning because it was not packed or a drain was not placed. I've lost quite a bit of weight this month being unable to eat and the fear of something going wrong again is terrible.
The stitches from the I&D are very painful and I sleep more than I'm awake to minimize any risk of the abscess returning. I still have referred pain to the ear nearest the abscess and the stiches are so painful I dream that I'm chewing on broken glass most nights. How long is an average I&D recovery? My follow up is in 5 more days and I'm long since out of sick leave so I'll be at work like this all week.
My advice to anyone who discovers a painful lump; demand an X-ray!! It was so much smaller and less painful when I first noticed it. This has been very painful and frightening.
Thank you Bryanna for taking the time to help me and others. I'm afraid to think what would have happened if you hadn't encouraged me to demand an X-ray.  |