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About Joel 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

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > post extraction

Dentistry - post extraction


Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS - 11/5/2009

Question
Hello, I just my second to last molar on my bottom left extracted and since there is a big gaping hole left for bacteria to have a field day.I was curious as to why they did not put me on antibiotics. Do you think i should be on them? Also, I have a serious surgery coming up on the 12th of this month. i want to be healthy going in. It is on my stomach. The extracted area doesn't hurt as much as yesterday, but it still hurts enough to be uncomfortable. Thank you for your time and expertise in this matter! Hope to hear from you soon.  

Answer
Allie - Leaving an extraction socket open is not unusual or bad, as long as the gum tissue was not cut.  Those sockets can attract bacteria and food debris.  The best way to keep them clean is to simply rinse your mouth with warm salt water for a minute or two, after meals and another couple of times a day.

Have a little patience.  If you keep it clean now, it should heal just fine and nothing there will affect your upcoming surgery.

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