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Dentistry/Swollen from extractions

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Expert: - 11/14/2004


Question
I had 6 of my bottom back teeth extracted, 4 on the right and 2 on the left, including my lower left wisdom tooth which was impacted.  This happened 2 days ago but I'm in so much pain and I'm still very swollen, especially on my left side where the wisdom tooth was pulled.  I can barely talk or eat yet I believe that is normal.  My concern is the swelling on my lower left side of my face.  The oral surgeon told me prior to surgery that there may be a chance that I loose the feeling in my lower lip permanantely because of the roots being so close to the nerve.  He did tell my mom after the surgery that everything went fine and he was worried about that nerve at first but there shouldn't be any problems.  How long should this swelling and pain last?  When will I be able to open my mouth and chew?

Answer
Dear Jennifer:  I must assume you are taking antibiotics.  If not, you may need some now.  When I remove 4 wisdom teeth, I expect that there will be swelling for no more than 2 days.  Longer than that, and I become concerned that there may be infection that is not being treated.  Opening your mouth fully may take closer to a week.   These are questions you should be asking your surgeon, as he may wish to know what's happening to you.  Don't be afraid to call right away if your swelling persists or gets worse.  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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