Is anyone here a dentist or hygentist? I need help!

MayorMcCheese000

I got my wisdom teeth pulled Monday and I am having a horrible time recovering.

My cheeks are still really swollen and bruised dark purple. I tried to go back to work today and literally people were shielding their eyes from my horrific garrish face. They sent me home.

 I am still having a lot of pain, specifically in my jaw and temples. Since I have never done this before I am u sure if this is par for the course with wisdom teeth recovery, or if this is something that warrents an appt back with the oral surgeon, I hate being an alarmist about medical things. I am mostly wondering how/when I can go back to work?? I can barely open my mouth, let alone talk all day... how much freakin longer is this going to take? This has seriously been worse than c-section recovery.

Goose51504

Hmmm...I definitely didn't have any trouble when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Swelling and bruising are normal in some people, but I'm wondering if you might have dry sockets, which can be supah painful. It's definitely worth a call. Considering you had the surgery on Monday, you should be feeling A LOT better by now.

I hope you feel better soon! Definitely have your surgeon check them out.

katie277s

Coming from DH - the dental student...

The swelling is normal.  The pain is considered normal, but if you are having trouble controlling it you should call your doctor.  He also said that ibuprofen or motrin will help more than the narcotics.  They will help with the inflammation and sensitivity.  The narcotics will help you accept the pain, instead of take it away.   It all depends on the type of extraction that was performed.  Sometimes bone is removed to get the teeth out, which can cause significant post operative swelling, inflammation and pain.  He would like to state for the record he is merely speculating, and suggests that you talk with your doctor. 

Also, warm salt water rinses will help keep everything clean.  

KrisBriMcBunny

I'm thinking dry sockets too.  Definitely call tomorrow because you should be feeling much better by now.

~appletini~

I had the worst time when I got mine out, I had dry socket. It's been years, but I remember my  head hurting like I had a really really bad sinus infection, like I could barely lift my head off the pillow and when I did, it was major screaming pain in my jaw and cheeks and up through my temples. Then I got the flu on top of it. I wanted to die.

I'd get it checked out, because three days later you should be feeling better, not worse.  If you have dry socket, they will put medicine packs in and you will feel tons better soon! 

Hang in there, hope you feel better soon!

katie277s

DH also said that if you are able to get up and go to work, its most likely not a dry socket.  They are typically so painful that you won't question whether or not to call the doctor.  I hope it isn't a dry pocket, because it sounds horrible.

MayorMcCheese000

katie277s:

DH also said that if you are able to get up and go to work, its most likely not a dry socket.  They are typically so painful that you won't question whether or not to call the doctor.  I hope it isn't a dry pocket, because it sounds horrible.

Thanks for all your comments ladies! I don't think it is a dry socket either, I am a little worried about it being infected though, just because I was having some infection problems with them since the bottom ones partially errupted which is why I got them removed (the tops were fully impacted.) I totally agree about the ibuprofen, I wasn't taking it at first but I started yesterday and I noticed it has been making a difference. I think it is just taking longer because I am an old lady and I should have done it 10 years ago, I did read it is harder to recover as you get older.

emilykristene2006

Have you been putting ice on it?

DH had major issues with his surgery. Once I started making him put ice on it every 15 minutes, he felt better. 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.

Goose51504

MayorMcCheese000:

katie277s:

DH also said that if you are able to get up and go to work, its most likely not a dry socket.  They are typically so painful that you won't question whether or not to call the doctor.  I hope it isn't a dry pocket, because it sounds horrible.

Thanks for all your comments ladies! I don't think it is a dry socket either, I am a little worried about it being infected though, just because I was having some infection problems with them since the bottom ones partially errupted which is why I got them removed (the tops were fully impacted.) I totally agree about the ibuprofen, I wasn't taking it at first but I started yesterday and I noticed it has been making a difference. I think it is just taking longer because I am an old lady and I should have done it 10 years ago, I did read it is harder to recover as you get older.