So I had my upper wisdom teeth taken out on January 7th, they came out easily and I had no complications (they were not impacted). I had my lowers out last year and healed well, but my problem is kind of weird. I can run my tongue over the extraction site (Left Side) and no pain. But when I do any physical activity like running, jumping, or even if I turn my head too fast I feel sharp pain coming from that side. Its just weird to me that the only time I feel pain is during those specific times, no pain when I open my mouth or eat anything either. Should I go back to the dentist or is this normal?

Hi wjones,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some information here.

The roots of our upper posterior teeth can be in close proximity to the sinuses. When an upper molar or wisdom tooth is removed there is a chance of a sinus perforation either because the tip of the root was in the sinus or the opening occurred during the removal of the tooth or soon there after. There is also a possibility that the sinus is inflamed in that area. Could be from a perforation, a retained piece of tooth or fragment of bone, or an infection.

One of the classic signs of inflammation within the sinus that occurs near a tooth or the site of an extracted tooth is upon exertion meaning physical activity.

It is best to see the oral surgeon who removed your wisdom teeth for an evaluation and radio-graphs to diagnose the source of that pain. It may be something that will heal on its own or it may need some type of minor intervention. It is best to have it checked out rather than wait.

Bryanna