Gum infection adjacent to socket post wisdom tooth extraction
 

Hi all,

About 3 weeks ago I had a completely erupted upper wisdom tooth extracted. It was a reasonably straight forward extraction other than a root snapping, which the dentist retrieved. I was sent on my way and told that antibiotics wouldn't be necessary and to rinse for 7 days with salt water, which I did.

Now, everything has seemed fine since then aside from some tenderness around the site which I figured was normal. I've been eating fine, no pain unless I actually poke, etc.

On Saturday I noticed that the gum surrounding tooth in front of the removed wisdom tooth had begun to swell. Since its a public holiday because of Easter I cannot get to my dentist until tues at the earliest if they can even see me so I began to rinse regularly again with salt water. This morning, while the big swelling is still there, it now seems to have a white head on it, like a giant pimple. It is not painful unless I poke it, aside from a very mild stinging in the soft tissue, and I feel physically well. Previous dental xrays from october show no problems with any of my other teeth and the dentist mentioned nothing on seeing the opg that i got for the wisdom tooth extraction itself.

However I am very concerned. What is this? Why has it occurred? Is salt water the best course of action until I can see a dentist?

Hi,

You may have what is called an aphthous ulcer or canker sore. These generally develop in the mouth and various other places from some sort of trauma or irritation. Oral surgery or hitting the area with your toothbrush or hard food could cause the ulcer to occur. You can do a google search to see what they look like and compare the photos to what you have. Or you could be developing an infection and the white area could be what is called a fistula. This is similar to a pimple and it appears to be on the surface but it is much deeper than just on the gum. Either way, it is important for your dentist to make the proper diagnosis.

Rinsing with warm salt water is best until you can see your dentist. Only use a pinch of salt and rinse 3-4 times a day. Avoid using any mouthwash, especially any that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals because this will just cause further irritation. Keep the area clean and continue to brush all of your teeth as usual to keep down the level of bacteria.

Please let us know how you're doing...

Bryanna

sceared
 

Hello Bryanna, Forgive me if I'm not doing this in a correct manner. Iam New to the site. I was doing some research on the aftermath of wisdom tooth extraction, and came across the site. I was so pleased with the conversation between you and Jwang.

I'm in the Army and recently had 3 wisdom teeth removed. Before the procedure was done I knew and felt something was wrong. I have all the symptoms that J had, severe pain, knot in my lower right jaw, can't open my mouth. I haven't eaten for almost 2 weeks, besides some soup maybe once a day. I'm so scared I will never be able to open my mouth again.

I expressed my concerns to the dentist, and he told me it was infected, and that if by next week the antibiotics don't work, he may have to recut and go back in and drain the infection out. He still has yet to mention why I have a knot on my jaw, and why I can't open my mouth yet to do anything. I'm so afraid and don't trust them to do anything, but I don't wanna get worse.

What should I do. You seen so educated on these matters. Please help.

Hi V,

The post that you wrote is just fine ;)

Based on your description, you had an infection in your lower right jaw.. pain, swelling... prior to the removal of this wisdom tooth. Extracting the tooth was important because that removed the source of the infection, but if you have the same symptoms as before, then you may still have the infection in the jawbone. It is important to see your oral surgeon if the symptoms have not subsided.

It is not unusual to have limited opening of the jaw for a few weeks after wisdom tooth removal. This is due to the swelling and inflammation in the jawbone and surrounding tissue. However, if you feel that you are not improving, then see the oral surgeon.

Let us know how you're doing!
Bryanna

After Tooth Extraction
 

Hi. My tooth was extracted 10 days ago and I am still in pain, from the gums to the jaw and ear. It happens like three times a day- the moment i wake up, during my sleep and before I go to bed. And I also have this canker sore on the gums where my tooth was pulled, I suspect it's the one that is causing the pain, however I am not sure because I've experience the same pain (but did not get canker sore) when I had a different tooth extracted a couple of months ago. I also got this white stuff inside the hole of my gums, I don't know if it's is a part of the healing process or it's an infection as well. I hope someone could help me understand what is the cause of this burden. Xx

I wouldn't be without my little bottle of Myrrh Tincture. I use Nature's Answer and it's available at most online supplement companies where I buy my supplements. iherb for one where I shop a lot.

I have a chronic issue with a molar next to a bridge with a root canal. I'm doing all to not go to major dental work. It had been quiet for about 5 yrs and flared up recently so I'm hitting it with my Myrrh. I developed some mouth ulcers in that area and they are gone now. HOPE I don't have to break down and do major work.

I use it straight from dropper a couple drops in the area probably 3 times per day.

http://www.health-care-tips.org/herb...ines/myrrh.htm

This is what I do for mouth sore issues.

Hi maiamontilla,

A canker sore can last for 3 weeks or longer if new sores develop in the same area. These sores are an auto immune reaction to irritation, trauma, infection, illness, etc. It's important to find out why "you" develop the sores so you can take healthy precautions to minimize their occurrence. You could have an autoimmune disorder, vitamin deficiency, poor dietary and/or oral habits, things like that are contributing factors to the recurrence of them and why some people are more prone to them than others. Also cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, and using chemical laden mouthwash can all be contributing factors as well.

The white stuff in the socket may be food debris or pus. Since it is 10 days post op and you have pain along with the white secretions, it is best to have your dentist evaluate the site for infection and not assume it is normal healing.

Hope this info is helpful to you.
Bryanna




The white stuff

Hi caroline,

I know you are a big believer in certain herbs and oils.... I am too! But for those who are unfamiliar with Myrhh, I think it's helpful to provide a brief explanation of what it is.

Myrrh is actually a resin by product of the Commiphora trees that grow in the Middle East. It is processed into an essential oil or tincture product for various topical and oral applications. It has lots of therapeutic properties but it also has embalming properties as well. This means that although it has the capability to kill or mummify bacteria it may not be able to differentiate between the good and the bad bacteria. It is also a strong irritant to sensitive skin and can cause a contact dermatitis to occur. So it is not really an inert oil that is meant for everyone. Care needs to be taken when using it and it should only be used sparingly.

It's therapeutic remedies having to do with oral health are really gum related, not tooth related. In other words, if you have gum inflammation from gingivitis or from mobile teeth due to orthodontia, or new canker sores, or some other "gum" related issues myrrh may be helpful. But if you have a root canaled tooth or an infected tooth, myrrh does not have any capabilities of curing the problems associated with that tooth. It may help temporarily subside the gum pain and inflammation caused by the infected tooth, but it cannot alter the bacterial status of that tooth. So the infected tooth will remain infected and the symptoms of the infection will continue to occur as long as the tooth is present. The infection from the tooth is still able to proliferate into the bone and beyond. So although the physical symptoms may subside, the problem still exists. I think it's important for yourself and others using this to know that.

Just a suggestion..... perhaps it would be a good idea to have an xray done of that area of your mouth to see how progressive the bacteria from that root canaled tooth has become so that you would know what you are dealing with rather than assume the problem gets better because the symptoms come and go.

Bryanna

Hi, Bryanna. Thank you for the reply.

I've visited my dentist yesterday, and she told me that the gums where my tooth was extracted is actually healing and she assumed that the one causing me pain is the canker sore that I get from the injury of anesthesia. So, she told me to buy this Gumtect toothpaste which helps the canker sore to heal fast and is also good for gums.

I don't smoke and don't use mouthwash, but I eat normally, like the usual days when I do not have this pain, but of course, I avoid spicy food because I've read it could trigger the sore.

What I am concerned most is, is the pain I am having is the same amount of pain canker sore gives? Because it is excruciating and the only thing that could make it go away is pain killer. And I am worried that taking Ibuprofen could damage my kidney since I do it 2-3 times daily.

And by the way, the white stuff inside the gums is just food. I just had a hard time getting it.

Xx

Hi maiamontilla,

Canker sores can be very painful but generally the pain subsides considerably after the first week. Unless you are getting additional sores or you are doing something to aggravate the one you have. Also, canker sores can look similar to a herpes virus which would also be painful and more likely to linger for a few weeks. So it's important that you get the proper diagnosis.

You are wise to be concerned about taking any OTC pain meds for any length of time as they do affect the liver and other organs. You could try taking a homeopathic remedy which can be very helpful. Here is a site that gives an excellent list of remedies for dental related issues. Scroll down the list to Herpes Lesions. http://www.icnr.com/articles/homeopa...dentistry.html

A word of caution about using Gumtech toothpaste and others with similar ingredients. It contains triclosan which is a germicide that is undeniably toxic and it carries all sorts of negative health warnings. Here is some info on that..
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/prog...ials/triclosan

The least toxic toothpaste is a home made mixture of coconut oil and baking soda. Here's a simple recipe for making it:

2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
2 tablespoons Baking Soda
10 drops of Peppermint oil (optional)

*You can make a larger or smaller batch depending on how long you would like it to last and what size container you’re storing it in.
Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and coconut oil in a small container, until it forms a paste like consistency

2. Add several drops of peppermint oil and mix (*peppermint is optional)

I hope this information is helpful to you.
Bryanna