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Dentistry/Still having pain after extraction

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Expert: - 1/5/2007


Question
On Nov. 29 I had what was supposed to be a simple extraction performed by an oral surgeon. He said the procedure was unremarkable and I had the usual postoperative pain for the next 2 days. However, I began getting worried when the extraction site was still painful more than 1 week later. It is now Jan. 4th and I am still in pain. Not only that, the lymph node right under the extraction site seems to be swollen and it's sore. Actually, I can't tell if it's a lymph node or my jaw bone. I have been back to the surgeon 3 times since the extraction. He says he doesn't see anything wrong... although he removed bits of bone from my gum during 2 visits.  I don't know what to do.  As you can imagine, other oral surgeons are not eager to evaluate another surgeon's work.  

Answer
Dear Jackie:  One month is too long to go with painful healing from extraction.  It is likely that you have infection or inflammation in the socket.  If you have not been given antibiotic, that would be the first step.  If you have, it may need to be changed.  An xray might be made to be sure there is nothing unusual in the healing socket.  Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol should relieve the pain, along with the application of warm packs to the swollen area.  If this does not resolve in 1 week, and you don't know what else to do, contact your physician for further help.  Let me know how this turns out.  And good luck.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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