Hi Laurel,

I see that you posted this yesterday..... did you go to the dentist?

Hopefully the surgeon was able to remove the tooth as sometimes they have to drain the infection first.... then go back in at a later time and remove the tooth.

If you are up to it... please shoot a note and let us know how you are doing.

Bryanna

Yes, I got in to see him, I called the office at 9:15 and was in the chair by 11:00 and put under IV sedation. I made sure I asked him to debride the area well and flush the infection out (as I have read in many of your posts Apparently it was a difficult extract; I was under for almost 2 hours. The tooth was cracked anyway and when he attempted the extraction the tooth crumbled. He assured me that he got it all and judging by how the far the stitches go down, I would say he really tried to flush the infection out. I feel alot less pressure, there is some swelling still but no bruising so far. I have been icing, and today I can use heat too I think? Clindamycin is what they gave me....omg, my tummy feels like crap.

Hi laurel,

I am glad that you acted quickly on this and the tooth is out.

I am not surprised that the tooth was difficult to remove. Glad you sought an oral surgeon and had the IV sedation too!

The stitches are far down because the surgeon had to make a large incision so he could flap the tissue open to gain access to the tooth. This also gave him a better view of the bone so he could debride it thoroughly.

Infection cannot be flushed out. It has to be scraped out and it sounds like that is what he did. Hopefully you will not have much pain and everything will heal fine.

Re the icing... only ice for the first 24 hours and no more. After that you can apply MOIST heat NOT a dry heating pad. Also start to rinse very gently with warm salt water after 24 hours and continue rinsing for several weeks. Eat a soft food diet, avoid spicy foods, nothing with seeds or sharp and avoid eating on that side for several days ++.

Re the antibiotic... Clindamycin can cause terrible digestive/intestinal upset. In fact it can cause an intestinal infection. It is best to supplement with a probiotic starting asap. It should be taken twice a day during the duration of the antibiotic and not within 2 hours of taking the antibiotic. The probiotic can greatly help the stomach distress but you have to start it asap. Stay on the probiotic for at least 30 days+ after the last dose of antibiotics.

If the intestinal problem becomes severe, stop the Clinda and call the dentist for a different antibiotic.

Thanks for updating us. Please check in and let us know how you are doing.

Bryanna