Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 5/28/2007

Question
I had two lower jaw wisdom teeth removed.
It was rather complicated surgery, both of them were horisontal impacted teeth and completely covered by bone.
The right tooth was removed first 30th Nov 06' and a month later 8th of January 07' left tooth.

The first swelling (lump) appeared 3 weeks after surgery on my right cheek - I was prescribed antibiotics and swelling went away.
But the same thing happened 3 weeks after the left tooth removal also.

The swelling (lump) was rather mild, but I had some trouble opening mouth completely - no pain at all.

Up till May 07', I had these mild swells about three weeks appart on the right - then again on left cheek at lower jaw. About 4 times.
Then this happens the lower jaw is sensitive to touch.

Now at the end of May, the left side of my face got really badly swollen, got quite high fever and pus was flowing out through my gums - but the surgeon prescribed again antibiotics - telling that there is nothing to worry about.
X-rays look clean...

Is this normal to happen, since the surgery was almost 6 months ago?
Im worried...

Answer
Ranno -  This is definitely not normal to happen.  The dentist sounds like he is just covering himself.  You should definitely not get recurrent infections in those areas unless something was done incorrectly.  My suggestion to you is to get a second opinion by a local board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  You do not need to go through this and you should not.

Any more questions, feel free to contact me again.