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Dentistry/Multiple Extractions

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Expert: - 12/17/2009


Question
This is wednesday. On monday I had 15 teeth extracted and got immediate dentures. The bottom plate won't stay in my mouth. I have a tremendous amount of swelling in my cheeks and lips and bottom plate has become painful due to the fact that I can't keep it in place. How long will the swelling last? I have not been able to eat anything since Sunday night. I can drink milk and water but nothing else. Is there anything I can rub inside my mouth to help with the swelling? Would a diuretic help? My gums don't feel swollen, just cheeks and lips

Answer
Dear Gay:
I am sorry to hear that you are struggling.   This is totally NOT unusual, especially since you have had so many teeth removed.
Here is what you can do... the swelling will last for a week and will subside gradually, then faster till it is gone.  By two weeks, you should be OK.
1.  Go to the drug store and get "Ensure".  It is an excellent, high calorie, nutrition shake.  It will fill you up and you will be able to stay properly nourished.
2.  Very gently, with gauze, swab the gums inside your mouth.  Even if they bleed, removal of the bacterial accretion on the extraction sites will encourage healing.
3.  Rinse--hold and spit gently with 1tsp baking soda in 8oz lukewarm water.  It will help bring the swelling down.
4.  It is never too late to ice the area--use ice water and chips and hold for a few moments.  It will also alleviate the pain.
5.  If you can, and medically OK, take motrin (ibuprofen-advil).  400mg (two tabs) every eight hours.  Make sure that your stomach is stable.  If you start having diarrhea, stop.
6.  Call your dentist and inform him/her of your difficulty.  Ask them about my above recommendations.  Make sure it does not interfere with your dentist's plan.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Dr. Zev Kaufman

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Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.

Expertise

I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.

Experience

Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC. Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry. Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program. Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program. Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Organizations
Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics. Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration. Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society. Member of the American Dental Education Association.

Education/Credentials
Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry. Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics. Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry. Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management. Honors-program in Orthodontics.

Awards and Honors
NYU Cervice award to the community. OKU honor society. National Dean's List. National Who's Who.

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