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125112 tn?1217273862

Alveolar ridge tenderness/puffiness?


Hello Doc,

Ealier, I had written to you regarding what seemed like irritation to the roof of my mouth, just behind my top front teeth. This seemingly coming after drinking some hot soup. As it was, this did come after (time frame, not sure but not too far after) I had my front teeth drilled on.
At any rate, I left it alone. The tenderness is pretty much always there but really, seems to come in "waves." Meaning, sometimes it feels worse.

Short bit of history: my hormones have been "out of whack" for over a year and am about to take BC pills in hopes that it will help regulate that. I have entertained the thought that perhaps hormones are leaving me with this sensation. I just am not sure, as of yet. The two front "bumps" (which I guess you call the Alveolar ridge) seem inflamed. Maybe this isn't the case and only feels like it, due to sensation. At any rate, I'll let you be the judge. The first photo is obvious. The remainder photos are of a CT scan that was taken Feb. of this year. I had my tonsils removed in April and my voice/speech has changed. Ultimately, it feels like my tongue is crowding out the very rear and front of my mouth.

I live on a remote island and have essentially only 1 dentist (her husband is the other). Thoughts?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teethroof.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teeth.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teeth1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teeth2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teeth3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/teeth4.jpg
5 Responses
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Kate I am sorry but I could not bring up your pics. It is possible that the incisive foramen, which is behind your two central incisors is being traumatized for some reason. It sometimes can be your bite. This is conjecture on my part without seeing it.
Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862

To a point, I can understand your not looking at photos. I have seen some...that I wasn't prepared to see. lol

The only pic you might understand is the first, as it is simply a shot off the roof of my mouth.

A tongue thruster, never heard of this condition. I use to grind my teeth and sometimes, even my front teeth in the daytime but I no longer do that, nor at night. My dentist worked on shaving some teeth down and that seemed to help.

I have an over-bite and when I sleep, do notice that my tongue does nearly touch my front teeth. When I am aware of it, I relax my jaw (lower it). Assuming it stays that way while I sleep but you know, wouldn't know.
I am missing two molars on the upper teeth, on each side and expect some shifting of teeth.

My lower teeth do not come into contact with the gums behind my front teeth, so that wouldn't be causing the problem.

In wearing a night guard, does it keep your tongue from thrusting forward? If so, have any night guard recommendations?

I live on an island in S.E. Alaska. It's beautiful and has it's advantages but really has it's disadvantages too. It would be nice to have a wider variety of doctors here. It's great when you are well but not if you are not. Further, extreme emergencies require being medi-vac'ed out. Extremely expensive and worrisome, too.

Thank you for the response pertykitty, I appreciate it!

Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
Doc,

The photo url needs to be copied & pasted into your browser address for you to be able to see them. I could have posted them into the post but think that is a "no-no."

I'll bring your thoughts to my dentist. If you are able to view the photos, that would be great. May be more helpful to you.

Thank you,
~Kate
Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
I wanted to add two other things, the front of my teeth (dead center)up at the gums, when touching it feel tender. And two: thank you for taking the time to read and respnod to this. I really appreciate it.

As it was, my first post wouldn't allow me these additions.

Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i did not look at the pics sorry. but i am wondering if you are a tongue thruster? meaning your tongue pushes against your front teeth? it can cause the teeth to slowly shift out. also if the tissue is large it can be surgically and easily trimmed to help. if you grind your teeth it can cause teeth to shift. if your lower front teeth hit this area it can swell and cause discomfort. this is what happens to me if i dont wear my nightguard. good luck i hope you figure this out, by the way, what island do you live on? how fun to live on a remote island! except when you need medical or dental care!!
Helpful - 0

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