Q: I had a molar tooth extraction and bone grafting several days ago. I had the swelling and pain, used ice packs and then heat as advised, taking antibiotics, and have a mouth rinse as well. My cheek looks like it is attached to my gum by the tooth. I have stitches and this lump is bothering me so much that it is hard to function. It is as though the graft material is too much and feels as though I have a wad of cotton or food stuffed in the area between my jaw bone where the gums are and my cheek. The ridge is basically gone and there is no gap between my cheek and teeth. Is this normal? Can swelling do this or is this just the healing process and will it go back to the way it was? I’m upset and not sure what to do.
A: I would immediately call your treating Periodontist and have the area checked. The healing could be in the normal range or it might be infected. It is hard to diagnose here. You might want to ask the periodontist if the extraction was difficult, and if there were any issues with closure of the wound. You could ask if there was an infected socket as well. We often use the laser in the extraction socket to avoid any post-operative issues.
