Hi UCF...
Well you know I'm going to say refrain from smoking.... anything.... until the sockets are completely closed over which could take several weeks. There are several negative issues with smoking when you've had oral surgery. But let's just say it can prevent the bone from healing properly and can cause the sockets to remain open.... all of which is not a good thing. So.....
Also.... do not rinse with anything other than lightly salted water. Just add a pinch of salt to about 3-5 ounces of water and rinse thoroughly. Do this about 3-4 times a day until the sockets close completely. Oral surgery or not, it is never a good idea to rinse with a mouthwash that contains alcohol because the alcohol and other chemicals decrease the salivary flow pre- disposing the person to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Also, rinsing with these types of mouthwash are very risky for anyone who smokes because when the mouth dries out, the tobacco.... etc.... is very irritating to the oral mucosa and this actually increases the risk of developing oral cancer. So all alcohol and/or chemical laden mouthwashes should be avoided.
The salty taste that you are experiencing..... did your dentist mention anything to you about a sinus perforation? Sometimes when the sinus is perforated, the person will get a salty taste until the perf closes over.
With regard to the receptionist performing your post op.... I can't stop laughing... sorry... but that is truly ridiculous... and illegal!!
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by UCF-Pre.PA
Hi all, I just wanted to post my own symptoms as I am unsure of what the problem is. I had 4 wisdom teeth extracted two weeks ago today. Initially I thought the surgery went great as bleeding ceased in about 20 hrs and I didn't even have pain after 2 days from the surgery. 1 week ago, I went in for my follow up. Much to my surprise, the follow up was conducted by the front desk receptionist, not the oral surgeon (wtf?). Anyway, she simply asked me 3 questions and looked in my mouth for about 5 seconds, not even examining my top sockets. She said all looked fine. Here are my symptoms. Starting 5 days after extraction, I began getting the salty taste in the area of my top left socket. I have also had intermittent pain anteriorly to my left tmj (I would guess right around the area where that socket is). The pain has become less often as time goes by. I am a "smoker" but not tobacco. I occasionally smoke marijuana and have probably smoked 4-5 mj "blunts" (all mj tonacco) between now and 1 week post surgery. I did not smoke anything in the first week after surgery. I realize this has probably contributed to my situation.
Anyone have an ideas as to what could be my problem? (besides me smoking)
Any response is greatly appreciated!
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