Hi Sandy,
It is normal for the gum area of an extraction site to be sore or tender for a couple of weeks after the procedure to remove the tooth. It is also normal for the face and bony area around the extraction site to be uncomfortable for a couple of weeks as the area is healing.
Sometimes, the gum tissue at the extraction site develops a canker sore from hot, sharp edged or spicy food. Keep in mind that the extraction site is an open wound that is subjected to everything you eat even if you are not eating directly on that area. If that is the case, then salt walter rinses will help heal the gum tissue. It is also imperative to make sure that you brush the first molar (in front of the extraction site) very thoroughly to avoid any plaque from building up along the gumline of that tooth. If plaque accumulates around the gumline of that first molar, it will cause a sore to develop which could spread to the extraction site.
The area along the cheekbone can be tender for a variety of reasons but one that is common is due to trauma with the Zygomatic Major muscle. The Zygomatic Major is a very thick muscle that runs diagonally from the ear, down along the outer edge of the cheekbone to the corners of the mouth. This muscle is referred to as the Smile Muscle. When you have an upper molar extracted, this muscle may be overstretched especially if the patient tightens their facial muscles during the extraction. As the muscle starts to relax and heal, the cheekbone area can feel tender or achey. This condition can last for a few days to a few weeks, but it is temporary.
The nose can be tender from referred pain from the overstretched zygomatic major muscle.
On the other hand, sinus issues or infection can also make both of these areas tender. Usually when there is infection present, the patient doesn't feel very well and may run a fever. Are you feeling ok in general?
If by friday of this week, the gum area is still "very" sore and the area at the side of the nose is "very" sore or you develop swelling or a fever ...... it wouldn't hurt to let the oral surgeon or your general dentist take another look at the area and even take an xray.
Please try not to worry...... your situation does not sound serious but if you are very concerned that something is wrong, it is always best to let the dentist take a look to make sure all is well.
Please keep us posted on how you are healing!
Bryanna ~'.'~
Quote:
Originally Posted by sandy60
I had my 2nd molar extracted 10 days ago. There is no wisdom tooth behind it as it was removed years ago. The extraction hole is fine, no real pain but the outer gum where there also were some stitches is so tender. If I touch it, ouch (I haven't touched it otherwise, I rinse with salt water but I wanted to check which part hurt and it is SO sore). I can see an indentation where the stitches were, little lines. My question is, is this normal, to still be sore and how long does it last? I am older so maybe heal slower?
Another question...although no sign of sinus perforation (like I was afraid of last week and you asked me to see if water seeps into my nose) but my cheek hurts on and off on the bone below my eye and sometimes next to my nose. I am getting worried again and just hope it's just radiating from the whole darn thing and not my sinus. My nose is not running, no blood, no congestion, just pain that comes and goes.
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