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 On July 3, 2008 I had a cavity filled. The tooth had an old filling. The problem that I'm concerned with, as of today, July 22, 2008 is that I have significant pain still, when I try to open my mouth wider than a slice of bread. Actually the pain is pronounced when trying to eat.
After receiving Novocaine and waiting 15+ mins. My Dentist checked for "feeling" and decided to call in another Dentist to administer more Novocain because "he can place it deeper in the correct spot". When he performed the procedure, I felt that he had really gone deep.
The tooth was the next to last tooth on the right side of my lower jaw. The last tooth (molar) had had a root canal and a cap several years ago.
How long should it have taken for me to recover from this procedure and should I be concerned more than I am?
It feels to me like the ligament is taunt and is effecting my ear area as well.
Answer Mark - It sounds like from your description that you are suffering from spasms of the muscles of the jaw. When in spasm, it restricts your opening, can give you headaches and even a sensation like an earache. The best way to reduce the spasms, it to begin a regimen of warm salt water rinses for about 5 minutes 4-5 times a day. The warm rinses will help and you should feel better within a few days.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
