Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 11/21/2008

Question
I am a 38 year old female. On Monday, Oct. 17 I had my upper and lower left wisdom teeth removed. None of the teeth were impacted. My Dentist felt it necessary to remove them to prevent future plaque build up and also because I grind my teeth @ night.
I am still experiencing moderate to severe pain around the clock. When the pain is @ it's worst it radiates through out my whole left side of my mouth.
I am taking Ibuprofen, vicodin, using an ice packet and warm heating pad and rinsing my mouth with salt water. When the pain is @ it's peak none of the above aids seem to work at all. Could this be due to my age? My dentist is now closed, so I decided to ask you if this sounds normal? I also want to add that my upper gum area is swollen and very tender.
Thank you for your time,
Kimberly

Answer
Hi Kimberly,

I would return to your dentist for a follow-up visit.
It can be normal healing, just very slowly. However, it's best to have it examined, as the site may be infected, and this can be causing the pain.
In either event, you definitely should go back for a follow-up to make sure that everything is healing normally.

Please let me know if you need more help.