AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question Today I had my molar extracted its the same molar I had a root canal done. Is it normal to be in a lot of pain and also when I put my finger inside where the extraction was done I can still feel pieces of tooth is that normal.
Answer Brenda - First of all, don't put your finger into the socket. That can cause an irritation and the bacteria that lies on everyone's hands can be transferred to the healing socket. Secondly, what you feel may not be a portion of the tooth, but it could be the bone that lays between the roots of molar teeth. That bone, when felt, can be sharp and can even be a little loose.
My suggestion, rather that sticking your finger in the socket, is to make and appointment with the dentist who removed the tooth. Let him examine it. In the interim, to reduce some of the inflammation causing the pain, I suggest you rinse with warm salt water a few times a day for about 2-3 minutes. The warm rinses reduce inflammation and encourages quicker healing.
I hope you feel better soon. Contact your dentist. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
