Q: I am looking at partial or full dentures shortly, and am making decisions about that. I’m missing upper and lower molars on the left side. Before the recent extractions, I was having what seemed to be swelling of the gums, mostly upper, sometimes lower. It varied in severity but never completely went away. I thought it would improve after the extractions. The most recent extractions were last week and there was infection. (No antibiotics were given.) The swelling persists. It is not painful but is annoying. I have to have more work done which will ultimately involve partial or full dentures. For the moment, I am just concerned as to the reason for the swelling. I get similar but more brief swelling on the other side after brushing my teeth and gums.
A: Did a specialist do the extractions? Did they take post-operative x rays of the sites? Are you wearing any transitional appliances? Are you a smoker? Diabetic? Taking any medications? I would strongly suggest a follow up appointment with a specialist to be sure there is no remaining infection. Clearly, something is not healing well.
Q: Thank you for your reply. No to all of your questions. And yes, I know now I should have gone to a specialist. I have had such tremendous fears associated with all of this and that’s part of the reason I’m in this mess. Anyway, the swelling was occurring prior to and since the extractions. I had similar swelling prior to extraction on the other side earlier this year, and that swelling cleared up after the extraction The out-of-state oral surgeon I saw at that time gave me an antibiotic. Not this time – I went to this general dentist to establish care and I have several reasons to be concerned about her. I am convinced there is deep-seated infection that has not cleared.
