Complications after wisdom teeth removal

I am a healthy 35 yr old female.  I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed in Feb 16 2009.  I complained for two weeks before the Oral Surgeon had me come in and do an xray that is when he agreed that things were not healing normally.  He scheduled the second oral surgery a couple days later for March 23rd to remove bone fragments that he thought were interfering with the healing process.

By March 23rd, My lower left jaw was no different and I had huge knots (they feel hard like bone) in the back of my mouth outer side of my jaw incision site and out toward my cheek. My left jaw feels nothing like my right side when I run my finger down the gum line.  The knots are as high as my last molar and almost touch my last molar on the outside and so I cannot get a pinky finger or tooth brush in that area well at all.  I have no feeling in the lower left side of my face since the original surgery.  I am biting myself constantly.  

It is now April 12th and nothing really has changed.  I still have huge knots back there and no feeling in my mouth at all.  I have been on anti-biotics, Advil and pain med since my original surgery in Feb. I am a little better but still have swelling and aching in the afternoon, evenings or when it rains. The Oral Surgeon does not communicate at all when I see him and his staff run interference when you call. All they tell me to do is to continue using a moist heating pad and taking Advil.

Is this normal?  Are my expectations to high regarding the healing process? What is the hard knots?  Is it tissue inflammed?  Is the nerve damage causing the knots or are the knots keeping the nerve from healing?  How can it be corrected?  Is there anything I can do to help correct this matter? Should I see another Oral Surgeon or continue with this guy?  Does insurance pay for another Dr. s opinion on the matter?  

I just need someone to talk to me and tell me what is happening. What do I need to do to get rid of the knots?  

Please Help,

Porclngirl

[Ramin Mehregan, DMD]

Dear Patient
Complications with 3rd molar extraction could last up to 3-4 months!
I would consider getting a second opinion. As far as the insurance paying for it, I am not sure, something you can ask at your 2nd opinion visit. But even if they don't I think it is worth what ever it costs if it gets you out of this discomfort.