Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/21/2009

Question
On the 11th of December, I had two of my molars removed.Both on the right side, one upper and one lower. I was prescribed an anibiotic as well as vicodin. I contacted the oral surgeon the day of the surgery to let them know that the pain medication was not helping at all with the pain. I have been in horrible pain since the extractions. I have been back to the surgeon that extracted the teeth. He responded to me, saying that I needed to eat 3 square meals a day. He would not prescribe me anything more for the pain. What eating 3 square meeals has to do with the pain I am not sure. I feel as though my jaw is broken. He refused to take any x-rays and I have not been back to see him since. I am at a loss as to where to go for help next. My PCP said that my jaw may have been stretched and the muscles could be inflamed. She prescribed me NAPROXEN 500mg twice a day. This is not helping at all. I am in such pain that my body is trembling. I have had extractions before and never had this problem. Can you please let me know where to go from here.

Answer
Amanda - I am so sorry to hear that you are in intense pain.  As a surgeon, I hate to hear of other surgeons who doesn't really care about their patients feelings.  The cause of the pain needs to be determined.  I suggest that you make an appointment with a different oral and maxillofacial surgeon to examine you.  In the mean time, I suggest that you immediately begin to do warm salt water rinses for a few minutes, 4-5 times a day.  

Of course I cannot tell you what is going on, but you could have a condition called a dry socket or you could indeed have spasms of the jaw muscles.  I wish you well and hope you feel better soon.