i had 9 teeth pulled last week!!! help?

Question

the left side of my jaw is very swollen. i was looking at the gum and i notice that i either have some chips of my wisdom tooth left thats causing it or either it is part of the jaw bone! i look like a hamster hordering for the winter. what should i do!
to hold me over till monday. any home remedies anyone knows of. i will be contacting the dentist monday but until then.

yes they do feel sharp.

Answer 1

when did you have the extractions done? do the white things feel sharp to your tongue? are you in pain? dentist's will respond over the weekend if it's a true emergency and your answers to the above questions determine the answer. if you're in pain and your meds have run out, try ibprofen, aspirin or tylenol or call your pharmacy and request a refil of your meds. if the white things are sharp, they may be bone splinters, if not they may be the scabs forming. the puffiness may take up to ten days to subside depending on the state of your health, immune status, age etc. ibprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or the aspirin would be best for the swelling, if you're able to take them. also ice packs are very helpful as is a quite weekend and a lot of rest..

Answer 2

Sounds like bone splinters coming through. You could also have an infection. If that side of your face feels warmer than the other - yes it is infected.

The saltwater rinse is very good. Ice - 5 minutes on, 5 min off. Ibuprofin (motrin, advil) 4 tablets every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water and a light snack - last dose is 1 hr before bed.

Yes, try and contact the surgeon, otherwise emergency room - you may need an antibiotic if you are infected - If the pain started up to 3 days ago Pen VK is the drug of choice (DOC), if over 3 days, Augmentin. If allergic to Penicillin, clindamycin is DOC. All 3 of these need a loading dose - the first dose is twice the normal dose.
Many ER MD's are not aware of the DOC's for oral infections - they'll give augmentin which is not effective here, or they forget the loading dose.

Call now ( actually call yesterday!).

Answer 3

I had my wisdom teeth pulled years ago and I suffered. I took tylenol and spent 3 days in bed. I had bone fragments come out for a long time after that but I was also on antibiotics to prevent infection. When I had my abscess, I was told to swish the mouth with really salty warm water for about 3 minutes. I'm not sure that would help you but you never know.

Answer 4

Your dentist should have an emergency system set up for surgery complications. If not, at least try to contact another dentist and get advice on what to do in the interim. That sounds like an emergency. Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 5

If it's as bad as it sounds, go to the emergency room. Don't drink alcohol, or smoke. Try ice water; with the flavored ice (lemon, lime, etc.). Sometimes dentists recommend: OTC ibuprofen (pain and swelling), amosan (Oral B) powder. The maxillofacial surgeon that worked me over, gave me a do's and don't pamphlet.

Answer 6

Rinse your mouth thoroughly and often with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 oz. warm water). Stay away from foods that can get stuck in your gum pockets or scratch them (nuts, sticky chewy items, sweets, etc.) Don't chew on the affected side.

Answer 7

It sounds like you have an infection and that can be very dangerous, even life-threatening...go to your dentist or emergency room right away! Don't wait...

Answer 8

I'd stick with a diet of Campbell's Soup until then.

Answer 9

Call your dentist and ask them to page him or her to talk to.

Answer 10

just keep away from hot n cold things.... have painkillers.