12 days post extraction... and in pain!
 

I had 13, 14 and 15 extracted 12 days ago and I am still in a great deal of pain. I've seen the dentist again (6 days ago) and he said I'm healing fine and gave me stronger painkillers. The 13 and 14 came out fine, but the 15 broke upon extraction and was quite a bit more difficult to remove. I'm attaching a picture of my site at day 9. I could get a more current one if needed. I'm hoping to get some insight on the healing process and if this is, indeed, normal.

I took 10 days of antibiotics as well as Toradol and Tylenol #3. When that wasn't enough, he added Percocet and dropped the Ty#3. I have tried repeatedly to get off the hard painkillers, but each time I try (like today), I end up at home with my bag of ice on my cheek and a tear in my eye.

I rinse after every meal or drink (besides water) with a salt water rinse. And I CANNOT chew on that side, so I don't. The worst thing I do is try to pull out the chunks of bone that are working their way to the surface. I only push them around with my fingernails (probably not a good idea, I'm sure) and when they come out it does feel better. I have a LOT of chunks of bone showing and I'm worried that is the major cause of the pain.

Thanks for any help. I don't want to bother my dentist if this is normal.

Hi quazifrog,

It is not normal to have pain that interferes with your daily life on day 12 post op extraction. On the day that this picture was taken, there was quite a bit of irritation and inflammation in the tissue which is sometimes normal due to the number of teeth that were removed at one time. But this can also be indicative of an accumulation of plaque and/or infection. I can also see what looks like several bony fragments poking out between the site of #14 and 15. Yea, it's not a good idea to remove them with your fingernail because the slightest bacteria from your nail can cause a nasty infection.

Did you have the extractions done by an oral surgeon or a general dentist? If this were me, I would see an oral surgeon to evaluate the surgical sites especially since you are still having so much pain.

A word of caution about using an ice pack on your face.... the ice is only meant to be used the first 24 hours post op to reduce swelling, anytime after that it can actually delay the healing.

You can post a new picture if you want.... so we can compare.

Bryanna

New extraction pic... and more info
 

I had it done by a general Dentist. He is new to me, but came highly recommended. I'm seeing him tomorrow afternoon so that he can re-evaluate.

The pain is a dull throbbing that can spike to stabbing if irritated. Eating and drinking are done in tiny sips and bites. I promise not to poke at my bits of jawbone anymore. I don't want an infection. :o

Here is a photo we just took tonight. The angle is slightly different, but I'm sure you'll get the gist. One other thing that has me concerned (especially while eating) is the amount the 13 extraction site has receded toward the palette. That tends to be where food and drink sneak in.

I appreciate the help. And I will consider going to an Oral Surgeon for a second opinion. :)

Hi quazifrog,

This picture does show some improvement overall with regard to the clinical aspect! Below the surgical site into the bone cannot be seen on the photo so I cannot offer any thoughts related to what's going on there. It looks like your cheek is red and swollen or has a large abrasion.... does it?

If the pain continues.. it still may be best to consult an oral surgeon. Let us know what your dentist has to say tomorrow.

Keep rinsing with the salt water.... ~'.'~

Bryanna

Thanks so much for your help, Bryanna.

I saw my dentist today and they took another set of X-rays to be certain there was nothing under the surface that may be causing the pain. He has consulted with 5 other dentists with regards to my case and they all agree that there is no infection or anything he may have missed. He took some photos of the area with his camera and to get a good shot he had to dry the area with gauze. He didn't warn me he was doing this, and I jumped so high off the chair that I caught air. It is sore. It is not my imagination. But there doesn't seem to be a cause for the pain. So, as long as they feel like it's healing fine, then I am just going to have to keep taking the painkillers as directed. And trying every couple of days to come off them.

Hopefully my story will help someone else. It's not always going to be some dramatic condition... sometimes it's just dramatically painful.