AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question I had my four wisdom teeth extracted the second week in November. It went really well, minimal discomfort. After the swelling went down, I noticed a sharp piece of bone sticking out of my upper right gum at the extraction site. I had a very traumatic experience with the treatment, which wasn't explained to me, other than I had a "bone spur". I had novicane and a different dentist chipped and scraped away at the bone. It was extremely painful and frightening. Fainted, felt shaky for about an hour, and I'm not a wimp. Now, for the past week I have the same pain on the opposite side. Is this something that will eventually go away? I am afraid to go through the bone scraping again!
Gratefully yours.
Answer Jenny - I assume when you say the "same pain" you are referring to pain from the sharp piece of bone sticking out of the gum. If, in fact, there is another sharp piece of bone on the other side then it should be removed, but occasionally the bone area will resolve as the body reshapes the bone itself. This occasionally happens but not often. The best way to help the body reshape and relieve the pain is to begin a regimen of warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in glass of warm water) rinses for 5 minutes 4-5 times per day. The warm salt water rinses precipitate an increased blood flow to the area which brings along certain enzymes that can reduce the inflammation.
So try the rinses first. Do it 7-10 and see if there is an improvement. If not then you may need to see a surgeon to correct it. Please get back to me and let me know how you are doing or if you have any further questions.
