I'm 8 days post op of #19 extraction and grafting as it was absessed. On day 5 one of my dissolving stitches broke but I did not have any bleeding. At night I have what I will describe as numbness on my left cheek, the ares where stitch broke is tender and feels puffy, today the teeth on side of my extraction feel weird. I don't have a fever. I'm about to leave town for 4 days should I be concerned?

Hi Mmciec,

It is not unusual for some sutures to come loose and fall out during the first 2 weeks of healing. The tenderness and puffy feeling can be caused by an irritation of something.... most of the time it is accumulation of plaque. Are you still rinsing with warm salt water? You should continue doing that until the surgical hole closes up completely.

The numbness in the evening is a bit odd. By any chance does that area swell up at the end of the day? It is common for the teeth near the extraction to feel a bit weird as the area is healing.

If you are going to a remote area, where it would be difficult to find an oral surgeon in case of a problem, then it may be best to see the surgeon who did the extraction prior to leaving for your trip. Usually patients see their surgeon 7-10 days after most extractions. Especially when there is an abscess.

Bryanna