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Avatar universal

Bone exposed after tooth extraction!

I had the number 18 molar tooth extracted on April 27 2011! I had a massive infection which I had to gone the ER for pain since it was a Friday night. The ER Md gave me Bactrim DS and Ketelorac. I was not able to get an appointment within that 10 day period and about 14 days later if Flared up again this time with massively swollen glands that were hard as rocks and unable to open my jaw or swallow. Went back to the ER and same thing. I got an appointment on the 11th day after taking the Bactrim DS  my jaw which was still swollen and stiff started to become even more swollen again.The dentist did the extraction and placed a wad of gauze in the wound he did not abate the area of the infection or bone. He sent me on my way with a prescription for Tylenol 3. (Which does nothing for pain for but makes me very dizzy and extremely ill to my stomach, for which I told him but did not seem to phase him.) He did not give a prescription for Antibiotics either. The Lidocane wore off with in the hour and I was screaming amounts of pain trying to drive home. Five full days later I try to eat solid food because I have been in pain but I am so hungry now I think I could eat a brick but I have sharp pain under my tongue like I am being poked by a needle. I look and can see there is a shard of something jutting out from the gum so I get a pair of tweezers pull it out. Now I am in some real pain. I wake up today on the May the 2nd and it feels like there is something sharp solid and jagged cutting into the underside of my tongue and making it difficult to swallow. Also my gum line felt like it was cut with a knife. I went back to the dentist today and he stated it was part of the tooth socket bone and was normal and the gum would grow over it, and sent me home. The bone looks like it is an odd place and hurts. I have an ulcer forming under my tongue and I am worried that the exposed bone area will become infected. What should I do?
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Avatar universal
Because money is a problem, I would call his office and ask for some antibiotics.  That way, you won't have to go to yet another dentist.  At least it's worth a try! There are some wonderful dentists out there, too bad you got this one!  Don't let this dentist get away with this!  When you are feeling better, write or call the Compassionate Ministries and let them know what happened to avoid another victim!  And don't feel guilty about being poor, I am too.  This doesn't mean you have to be treated any less then anyone else.  I feel the people who can stick up for themselves should because there are a lot of disabled or sick people who can't. A letter of concern should be all that is needed. By the way, would rinsing with warm salt water hurt too much?  It may give you some relief. Good luck!
Helpful - 0
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree.  Some dentist do volunteer work to market themselves and make themselves look like nice people.  Unfortunately, dentists are people and there are the good ones and the bad ones.  Best wishes.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the time and info! That dentist for sure will never be seen again by me. I was referred to him by a Compassionate Ministries group! I think it is wonderful that he volunteers to help those of who are unable to afford emergency dental work, but I have strong belief that your heart should be where your outreach is also. If volunteering feels like it has become a burden then resign and let someone who truly wants to good and has a passion for helping ppl in crisis takeover for you. There is nothing wrong with that. Basically this dentist made me feel very bad for being unable to afford dental work. Honestly I am at the point I would have rather have begged, borrowed and pleaded for the money and gone to my regular oral surgeon. I just did not want to burden my friends and family who also suffering in this economy. I will be giving My Oral Surgeon a call this time around and see if we can work something out because the ulcer under my tongue is just getting larger and deeper as well as having deep bone pain off and on with a fever. Again thank you for the time and information Dr Tsang!
Sincerely,
T-Beau  
Helpful - 0
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It sounds like it was an extremely difficult extraction due to the extensive infection.  I'm glad they were able to get it out though.  That'll begin the healing process.  It sounds like there may be some sharp bone underneath the extraction socket or there may be some bony spicules (sharp bits of bone that are loose).  Those pieces will make their way out gradually.  The dentist can re-open the area and remove the pieces though and that would help with the sharpness near your tongue that's rubbing it.  It will fall out on its own though but if its creating problems, you can definitely get them removed also.  If you're not happy with the dentist, you can find another dentist too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You poor thing!  You should not have to be in so much pain!  I can't believe the dentist didn't give you something for pain and an antibiotic!  I am far from an export, but I would start making phone calls!  First call the dentist office and tell them you need something for pain and why didn't you get an antibiotic.  It may have been an oversite on their part.  My experience with doctors and doctors offices are that you have to take control of the situation because they make a lot of mistakes.  Make sure you ask them when they will call back or better yet tell them you will stay on the line until they find out the information.  Make some waves!  Get their names too, and write everything down, you may need it later. Call the doctor that treated you at the ER or at least contact the ER and ask them for help, make sure you give them your dentist's name.  There has to be someone who cares enough to help you.  Keep calling until you get an answer, I know they are busy but you need attention!  Please post and let us know how you are doing.  There are people out here that care!  
Helpful - 0

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