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Dentistry/Wisdom tooth extraction

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Expert: - 5/29/2007


Question
I recently had my impacted wisdom tooth removed, about 16 days ago. I was told the wound should heal by the seventh day, but I can't help but to notice a rather deep cleft(around half a centimeter legth) in between my gums and the inner portion of my cheeks.I can eat solids now, but I have to chew on the other side of my mouth and food gets stuck in the cleft every time I eat and it causes some discomfort. It feels painful when I gargle and even when I'm drinking. Is it normal to have a cleft there?

Answer
Reese -  If what you mean by a cleft is a linear defect, that is not normal and probably means that some bone was inadvertently removed and a tear in the soft tissue occurred.  You should get back to the dentist who extracted the tooth and let him evaluate the area.

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Volunteer

Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired

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 -University of Connecticut DMD - University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Awards and Honors
National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude

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