Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 10/13/2007

Question
HI, Have a question and need advice. Had my bottom left molar extrated 11 days ago.After care instructions were leave the cotton swab on for 30 mins.take off leave off no ice or heat.Next day that area was so painful I knew I had a dry socket. Went back in to OS send yes dry dry socket. started the clove treatment said would work in 30-to 40-mins. I would feel great. well I have had 6 treatments so far and had to ask him to stop because no relief from these treatments. Each time I told him it's killing me he keeps saying no need for pain killers we'll just keep the treatments and take motrin. well at this point I will feel better if a cruise liner ran into my face. two nights ago my face on that side stated swelling ear is killing me down to my lymph node in neck. I been using heating pad. So went back in to the os told him all this he put me on antibiotics take motrin and noted how it's taking me longer than most patients. like I asked for this agony. So now I am beside myself wondering. Do I keep on with suggestion or try find someone else. Thanks

Answer
Dear patty,

Some doctors have an association in their minds between narcotic drugs and evil, and it's difficult for them to shake their societal connection between opiate drugs and abuse of opiate drugs. Unfortunately, you're not going to cure this oral surgeon of his bias in time to help you.

I recommend that you contact your general dentist for supportive care. You would most definitely benefit from stronger pain medication, and yours is exactly the situation for which these medications are legitimately intended. If you don't have a general dentist of record, you might find some resistance to establishing a relationship with one now solely for the purpose of getting a prescription for narcotic analgesics. But if you can't convince your oral surgeon to break out his prescription pad now, you'll need to prevail upon someone else-- perhaps your medical doctor.

Good luck!