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Comprehensive Dentistry (Expert Forum)
WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION PAIN & DRY SOCKETS
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WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION PAIN & DRY SOCKETS
by Feffi101, Jul 11, 2009 12:29AM
I had 3 wisdom teeth extracted this past Wednesday July 8th, two at the top and one at the bottom left. For me it was a very unpleasant experience especially the first day. I was prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection and vicodin for the pain. I was in alot of discomfort so I followed instructions and began to take 1-2 of the vicodin every 4 hours but unfortunately my body didn't take well to it and i ended up throwing up the same day of the surgery. So instead I replaced advil for my pain reliever and discontinued use of the vicodin and that did the trick and I haven't thrown up since. But I have strong concerns and worry that because I threw up only a few hours after the oral surgery that there is a high chance I might have formed dry socket(s). I am not experiencing extreme pain like others I have read about and researched on dry socket but I am in a lot of discomfort. How do I know for sure whether I have dry socket(s)?!, I am worried I might because I threw up only a few hours after the surgery and that may have increased the chances that the blood clots were dislodged. I have an appointment this coming Wednesday with my oral surgeon to follow up on the healing, but If I suspect dry socket should I call in to see my surgeon sooner? And also I have another question about the swelling of my left cheek, are there any specific methods or ways to help decrease the swollen areas a.s.a.p besides the common ice method?
If you suspect dry socket, then go see your surgeon ASAP, And ice is really the best way to do it. The pain associated with a dry socket can be moderate to severe in intensity and often has a throbbing component. The pain can be just localized to the extraction site or it may radiate from the extraction site to the patient's ear or eye (on the same side of their face). Additionally, the dental patient may notice a foul odor or taste emanating from the tooth socket. Upon visual inspection (when possible) the tooth socket will appear to be empty (minimal or no blood clot or granulation tissue present) and when looking down into the socket exposed bone is visible. The term "dry socket" is derived from this empty socket appearance. The lymph nodes in the patient's jaw or neck may become enlarged.