You are here:

Oral Surgery/Questions Answered by Expert Jeff Bressman, DDS, Diplomate ABOMS

Subject	Date Asked
tooth extraction during pregnancy	1/8/2012
Q: I am in my third trimester of my pregnancy. (28 weeks long) I am suffering from constant toothaches. ... A: Tina - The ideal time for treatment during pregnancy is during the 2nd trimester. However, if you ...
complications from mandibular tori removal	12/14/2011
Q: I read with concern your response to Leticia regarding the death of mouth tissue after tori removal. ... A: Not aware of any research on this specific issue. This is not exactly an area that begs for ...
dental implant	12/8/2011
Q: I am in the process of getting a dental implant for one of my top front teeth. I have had three ... A: Mike, Wish that I could answer your question but without having seen you that would be impossible. ...
Fluid build up in face after wisdom tooth extraction	11/30/2011
Q: My top left-hand third molar was taken out Monday afternoon (I'm in the southern hemisphere and its ... A: Max, It is hard to answer your question without actually having seen you and examined the area. It ...
Ridge Augmentation	11/29/2011
Q: Dr. Bressman, I am scheduled to have Ridge Augmentation surgery done on my upper ridge as a ... A: Michael, The studies on BMP certainly look good but there has been some question as to whether it ...
Oral Fistula - 1 year problem	11/15/2011
Q: First, thanks for the service. I had a tooth extracted in Fall 2010 that created a communication ... A: These can most often be dealt with surgically via a well trained board certified oral and ...
Oral problems	11/14/2011
Q: I had a root canal done about a year ago, and it never got better. I had to have the tooth taken ... A: You should find a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in your area to check and see what ...
mandibular tori post opp complications	11/8/2011
Q: I had mandibular tori removed a little over 2 weeks ago, a section of the gum tissue immediatley ... A: Leticia, Unfortunately, this is a well known possibility following the removal of mandibular tori. ...
Tooth Extraction and Bone Graft - Bad taste and bad breath	11/6/2011
Q: My wife had a tooth extracted last Monday and from what I understand the bone was needing to be ... A: Stitches are definitely a normal and necessary part of the procedure. There are a number of reasons ...
Odor and taste from wisdom teeth extraction site	8/12/2011
Q: I had my wisdom teeth extracted in May, and I had the bad taste and odor from the extraction sites, ... A: This sounds as if you have an infection that develops occasionally when the top layer of tissue of ...
Wisdom Teeth Sockets Staying Clean	8/11/2011
Q: I had all four wisdom teeth removed 5 days ago. By now the pain is mostly gone but I'm really ... A: Just keep doing what your oral surgeon tells you to do. Very impressive photographic abilities but ...
wisdom tooth extraction	7/29/2011
Q: Bressman, I just got my wisdom tooth pulled 4 days ago and today is my last day of antibiotics. I ... A: Sounds like dry socket but the only way that you will know is to see the oral surgeon that did the ...
Pain Management	7/22/2011
Q: I recently had a molar removed by an oral surgeon. My dentist said it was acting like a wisdom tooth ... A: Three days is not enough time to expect the pain to have resolved after an extraction. You should ...
Wisdom teeth extraction	7/18/2011
Q: Dr. Bressman, First off I would like to thank you in advance for taking my question. I am a 34 ... A: In general by the time two months has elapsed most patients are feeling pretty much back to normal. ...
swollen and sore after extraction.	7/13/2011
Q: I just had a tooth pulled last Thursday, five days ago. The dentist did an excellent job. It was ... A: All of the above are possibilities. I have honestly not ever heard of a "clean" clinic but I would ...
Lump	6/11/2011
Q: I have had, for most of this year, a lump in my mouth. It is located inside my mouth, inside the ... A: Elaine, Although most of these type of lesions turn out to be dental in nature (ie from an infected ...
Extraction & Bone Graft	5/25/2011
Q: It was a tooth that had had a root canal and crown on it but then cracked below the gum line. I had ... A: This does not sound like a normal response to an extraction and bone graft but obviously I can't ...
implant	5/24/2011
Q: i am a dentist,i put an implant for a patient of 34 years old and coverd it with flap. at the time ... A: You will not be able to re-cover it (it usually does not hold). Put on a healing abutment and keep ...
Wisdom tooth extraction problem	5/16/2011
Q: I just got my wisdom teeth out on the right side of my mouth last weekend. The bottom healed well, ... A: This will most often go away on its own given some healing time. If not, you need to go back to the ...
sloughing bone ridges	5/13/2011
Q: In 2009 someone wrote to you about the ridges of bone on the tongue side of her mouth and the ... A: Basically, if the area does not feel loose, the only other option other than waiting it out is to ...
Wisdom Tooth with a cyst	5/12/2011
Q: I'm going to have to have my wisdom teeth removed. I went to an oral surgeon today and found out ... A: Hard to answer your question about healing process since I don't have any idea how involved your ...
Wisdom tooth pain	4/6/2011
Q: I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted almost two weeks ago. I am still experiencing some pain in the ... A: It is not at all uncommon to be feeling some mild discomfort still two weeks after removal of your ...
Oro-antral opening	4/5/2011
Q: I had tooth extraction 5 month ago (my upper molar). It caused oro antral opening. I actually asked ... A: Yani, At this point, 5 months after the extraction, it is not likely that this is going to close on ...
Jaw problems	4/3/2011
Q: My name is Cesar, I am 21 years old. Recently (Summer 2010) I had my four wisdom teeth removed by a ... A: Cesar, It is not likely that whatever symptoms you are experiencing is related to an extraction ...
Is exposed Salivary Duct Stone at high risk of infection?	3/22/2011
Q: I believe I have a Salivary Duct Stone at the opening of the Wharton's Duct. A portion of the stone ... A: That is in fact a risk. Removal of a stone located at the opening of the wharton's duct is a very ...
I'm afraid that my jaw was broken when my lower wisdom tooth was removed.	3/21/2011
Q: I went in for a cleaning and to have a filling put in. My dentist ask if I was holding onto my ... A: Stephanie, Fracture of a jaw during removal of a third molar (wisdom tooth) is thankfully a very ...
tooth extraction	3/12/2011
Q: my sons tooth was extracted and left a hole in his nasal passage,a piece of gauze was put there and ... A: Linda - Your description of what took place does not make sense to me. If in fact actual gauze was ...
Could it be an infection?Tooth extracted.. the one right before my molar	3/11/2011
Q: I had a tooth extracted from an old root canal I had done when I was 9 years old.. so that would be ... A: Sounds pretty normal. The appearance of a white scab like material in a socket during the first few ...
baby tooth at 27	3/10/2011
Q: I have a baby tooth on my left first bicuspid. It is somewhat loose but not alot to wiggle, but ... A: The implant is your best bet assuming you have enough money and enough bone to place it. It is more ...
Blood in saliva after Wisdom teeth extraction	2/26/2011
Q: I had 2 non-impacted fully erupted upper wisdom teeth removed 4 days ago. It was a very easy ... A: This type of bleeding is perfectly normal and is not in and of itself indicative of an impending dry ...
wisdom tooth removal after MRSA infection	2/22/2011
Q: Is someone who has had a superficial MRSA infection that was successfully treated with oral ... A: It depends on the amount of time since your surgery. Although I have never seen a patient develop ...
Can the jaw bone take months to heal after wisdom tooth extraction?	1/24/2011
Q: Nine weeks ago I had my bottom right wisdom tooth removed surgically. It was bone impacted and I am ... A: The healing process for the bone to completely heal in the socket can take up to six months. Having ...
sharp piece of bone poking through gum!	1/18/2011
Q: I recently had an impacted third molar removed and since then the side of my tongue has become raw ... A: This is normally a small bone fragment working its way through the gum tissue. In many ...
maxillofacial surgery	1/14/2011
Q: I have attached my x-ray below. I have bilateral cyst as my maxillofacial surgeons told me. My ... A: You appear to have a rather large cystic lesion on the left side of your lower jaw. Ignoring this ...
foreign object felt in area of recent extraction.	1/11/2011
Q: I had two top left teeth pulled one molar and a wisdom tooth. Today is the 11th and it has been 8 ... A: It is hard to be definite without seeing you. Having said this, the most likely explanation is a ...
Wisdom tooth dry socket healing	1/8/2011
Q: I had all four wisdom teeth removed about a week ago, on December. 30th. I did develop a dry socket ... A: In general, a dry socket takes roughly 3-7 days to resolve. As you are noticing, you can expect it ...
Numbness in lower lip	1/5/2011
Q: I am 38 years old and on 12/01/2010 I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. The surgeon said when he was ... A: Meredith, A lot of unknowns in your question and so the info that I am going to give you is very ...
Oral Dentistry	1/3/2011
Q: When my son was 15 the orthodontist advised us to go to an oral surgeon to have his lower impacted ... A: This is a very complicated question. I will do my best to answer some parts but want to stress that ...
Upper wisdom teeth removal	12/8/2010
Q: I got all four of my wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday and I cannot feel the stitches in the upper ... A: Unfortunately, their is not much you can do once you follow the instructions given to you by your ...
severe pain 12 days after wissom teeth removal	11/24/2010
Q: I would really appreciate your help. I had all 4 wisdom teeth (3 were impacted) on a Friday. I ... A: Crystal, sort of difficult to answer your question without further details. Twelve days after the ...
Pain after oral surgery	11/23/2010
Q: I had all four wisdom teeth surgically extracted 6 days ago and am still in huge pain. I was under ... A: Hard to answer this without more information. Certainly dry socket is a possibility. In general, ...
Broken Jaw	11/10/2010
Q: I recently suffered a broken jaw and i had plates put in. its been 2 weeks since the surgery and i ... A: James, You need to have a parent contact the oral surgeon that took care of you originally. Your ...
excessive bleeding post-op	11/1/2010
Q: My daughter had two baby teeth extracted and her canine adult teeth exposed a little over a week ... A: As long as the bleeding has now stopped it is nothing to worry about. Canine exposures do have a ...
Bad taste in mouth 10 days after wisdom tooth removal	10/26/2010
Q: about 10 days ago I had all 4 of my widsom teeth taken out. I have two questions. 1. I occasionally ... A: Ask your oral surgeon for an irrigating syringe to use to rinse the socket out. This should be used ...
Sinus infection 10 months after wisdom tooth removal	10/22/2010
Q: I had my wisdom teeth removed about 10 months ago at the age of 30. It was a difficult extraction ... A: Not likely that this is related to the original surgery ten months ago. However, since it is not ...
Implant/Wisdom Teeth/Bone Grafting	10/21/2010
Q: I have seen 3 different Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The last OS I've seen said ... A: Steve, There were no x-rays attached. However, it is unlikely at your age that you would need a ...
Biopsy Results	8/30/2010
Q: Bressman, I had a lump removed from behind my upper front teeth and was a little curious about ... A: I would suggest getting a second opinion from a board certified, oral and maxillofacial surgeon. ...
dendigerous cysts	8/27/2010
Q: My 15 yer old son had his biannual cleaning. Bitewing(?) x-rays were taken. Not a panoramic view. I ... A: Peggy, It is difficult to answer this question without seeing how large the cyst is based on x-ray. ...
Swelling	8/24/2010
Q: removed at Associates In Maxillofacial in colorado springs. its been about 5-6 weeks since i got ... A: Yes you are correct that you should return to the original oral surgeon. This is most likely a ...
oral surgery while on prednisone	8/19/2010
Q: Can you have teeth extracted while on prednisone.I have a friend that is 62 years old, he gets ... A: The short answer to your question is that he should consult with a board certified oral surgeon to ...
Wisdom tooth flap	8/11/2010
Q: Just had two lower wisdom teeth removed- they were supposed to do stitches. They didn't. I ... A: The good news is that this will eventually heal completely. The incision design that you have shown ...
Paresthesia	8/10/2010
Q: Currently I am a 4th yr dental student and had number 16 and 17 extracted last week at my school. 17 ... A: There is nothing that you can do to accelerate the healing process. The good news is that it is ...
Wisdom Teeth	8/2/2010
Q: I am a 19 year old female and am getting two wisdom teeth removed in two weeks. My bottom left ... A: Here in the United States, most oral surgeons would be more likely to give you an IV sedative to ...
odontogenic keratocyst	6/16/2010
Q: please tell me if there is a good chance this sort of cyst will reduce under the back of the gum of ... A: Jonathan In general odontogenic keratocysts do not go away on their own. Under normal ...
Wisdom Teeth #1 & #16 Removed	5/30/2010
Q: I am 30 F. I am scheduled for a consult next month to have Wisdom Teeth #1 %26 #16 Removed. I have ... A: Jessica - Unfortunately, the answer to your question is far more complicated than I could provide ...
mucocele still there after surgery	5/27/2010
Q: "I had surgery last 8 days ago and I am starting to get very worried. I noticed right away that the ... A: Melanie, I can tell that you are worried but am not sure how much I can help you via the internet. ...
Baby tooth extracted	5/25/2010
Q: I am 45 years old and I have been wearing braces for 1 year now. I had to wait to get a baby tooth ... A: May I respectfully suggest that you contact the oral surgeon that treated you. It would be very ...
Mallet	5/9/2010
Q: My endodontist extracted my tooth using a mallet. He had his assistant hold my jaw as he pounded ... A: Without being there at the time to understand what the issues were, I would have to agree with your ...
Crown & root canal	5/8/2010
Q: About 3 years ago I had root canal surgery as i smashed the back of my front left tooth leaving the ... A: Following a successful root canal, the tooth should not have any pain associated with it. In fact, ...
wisdom teeth	3/22/2010
Q: I am 35 recently had both righ wisdom teeth removed. due to my age dr. only removed the crown of the ... A: This is an unusual but known technique for avoiding injury to the nerve. It is called a coronectomy ...
surgically remove all teeth	3/20/2010
Q: My son has just recently turned 7 and has never lost any baby teeth, my wife brought him into the ... A: This sounds totally out of the realm of normal practice. I would strongly suggest that you get ...
GA wisdom teeth extraction	2/20/2010
Q: I'm supposed to be getting all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed in about 2 months. I'm really nervous ... A: These are all questions that you really need to address to your oral surgeon. In general, patients ...
Ligual tori remodeling	1/31/2010
Q: I have small bone chips that work their way through the gum, become exposed and have to be dental ... A: This sounds like lingual torus remodeling or sequestrum. The removal of the tori can be a big ...
Locked Jaw	1/25/2010
Q: I have locked jaw. I can usually push it to one side and it unlocks but it wont do that today. I had ... A: You should get yourself to an oral surgeon for further advice. It may be related to the removal of ...
lingual nerve injury	1/24/2010
Q: Bressman, I suffer from a paresthesia/dysesthesia due to an injection of articaine 30 months ago ... A: There are procedures that can be done to treat this unfortunate occurrence. What you need to do is ...
over denture or plate?	1/20/2010
Q: i have 18 teeth remaining in my mouth - rest have been removed. Now these 18 as a result of being ... A: Unless the teeth have been treated with root canal treatment already, it is dangerous to leave root ...
bovine bone graft for tooth implant	1/19/2010
Q: I had two bovine bone grafts approx. 4 years ago- one for a titanium implant and one for a tooth ... A: The use of bovine bone graft is a very safe, long established procedure. It has a very low risk ...
Having an anesthesiologist during widom teeth removal	1/18/2010
Q: Do dentist offices usually have an anesthesiologist administrating drugs and monitoring you for ... A: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have long been the pioneers in delivering safe, office based ...
#13 dental implant	1/13/2010
Q: I recently had #13 extracted by my dentist, due to suspicion it had been damaged in #14 extraction a ... A: With all due respect, your question is a terrific example of the dangers of Internet research. ...
dental metal in sinus lining	12/17/2009
Q: I had oral surgery in hospital to remove some teeth and the dental debris pushed into my sinus from ... A: A CT scan should be able to tell you where this is three dimensionally. The problem with this x-ray ...
post dental surgery complications	12/16/2009
Q: I am curious if it is normal to have rock hard swelling in the area where an implant was removed? I ... A: I assume that you had an implant removed because it had failed. Implant failure frequently involves ...
cheek pain	12/15/2009
Q: I have seen a dentist and have an appointment with an oral surgeon Wednesday. But I am hoping you ... A: I wish that I could be of more help to you but without a visual exam and looking at x-rays I would ...
Jaw surgery	12/7/2009
Q: I had my lower jaw moved forward about 15 months back. The left half of my lower chin and lip are ... A: It is generally done by an oral surgeon but only a handful of us, do this type of procedure (I am ...
Jaw surgery	12/4/2009
Q: I had my lower jaw moved forward about 15 months back. The left half of my lower chin and lip are ... A: Generally, if the sensation is going to return (which it most often does), this will happen within ...
Infection After Wisdom Teeth Extraction	11/23/2009
Q: Bressman, I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed 13 days ago (the bottom two being impacted). ... A: Sounds like your surgeon is doing the right thing. Follow his advice, antibiotics are not always ...
Implant	11/11/2009
Q: I had tooth 12 removed today due to a break. Should I have had the space repaired for an implant at ... A: Not every tooth that is removed requires bone grafting even when a future implant is planned. It is ...
Chronic Tooth Infection	11/7/2009
Q: I am a 37 year old healthy male and three years ago had an impacted wisdom tooth removed. Ever since ... A: Quentin, As always, when trying to answer these questions on line there is so much more information ...
opening in sinus after wisdom teeth removal	11/6/2009
Q: I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed on 10-22-09, and the upper left one was up in my sinus cavity. The ... A: You should have either your oral surgeon or another oral surgeon take another look at you. While ...
Painful tooth extraction	11/3/2009
Q: I had teeth 1,3,15,19,31 removed this past Friday the 30th. The lidocaine did not work past the ... A: Pain can be anywhere from severe to excruciating. Suturing has no effect whatsoever on developing ...
Painful tooth extraction	11/3/2009
Q: I had teeth 1,3,15,19,31 removed this past Friday the 30th. The lidocaine did not work past the ... A: You are right on time for the development of dry socket. This most commonly happens on the third ...
wisdom teeth removed	11/2/2009
Q: I asked a question to Joel a couple months ago, I did get a response but still need some guidance. ... A: I am not familiar with the laws in Canada regarding patient records. In my Glenview, Illinois oral ...
paresthesia	10/27/2009
Q: I had an oral implant in Sept. While the oral surgeon was giving me the lidocaine shot in my lower ... A: The good news is that it is still a bit too early to tell if this will be permanent. That bolt of ...
dry socket	10/24/2009
Q: I had two teeth pulled this past week. They were both the farthest in the back, the upper one and ... A: The active ingredient in the treatment that we use for dry socket is in fact clove oil. There are ...
facial swelling	10/22/2009
Q: This is a question about facial swelling caused by a fall. My doctor said it was a haematoma ... A: I would suggest a second opinion as any hematoma (you have the spelling correct in great britain, we ...
Wisdom tooth extraction	10/21/2009
Q: I am 46 years old male. I had two of my wisdom teeth removed on the right side almost 5 weeks ago by ... A: Michael, Sorry for the delay in answering your question. I hope that you have already followed the ...
abscess w/ facial swelling near eye	9/16/2009
Q: I fractured a crown and about 3 days ago I awoke to a marble size swelling in the gum above the ... A: In general, swelling of this type represents an abscess formation. Antibiotics alone will not ...
Oral surgery and Travel	9/12/2009
Q: Couple of weeks ago I went to see my dentist about pulling 2 of my remaining wisdom teeth, they are ... A: Johanna, It is hard to provide you with a definitive answer as so much depends on your particular ...
Wisdom teeth	7/15/2009
Q: I just had all 4 of my wisdom teeth cut out, the oral surgeon did not stich up the holes left ... A: We generally prefer to allow the holes to close up from the bottom up. This reduces the chance of ...
Dry Socket	7/14/2009
Q: My dentist packed my dry socket and said it didn't need to be removed as it would disolve itself. ... A: Generally, dry socket dressings can be of two different types. One needs to be removed and the ...
Wisdom teeth removal a week ago	6/10/2009
Q: I had 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed a week ago today. I was in severe pain and it finally let up ... A: I agree with the nurse that you spoke with. Trust your doctor. If you for some reason do not trust ...
Ameoblastoma, 40 year old male	6/9/2009
Q: I have a question regarding Ameoblastomas. My husband, Robert, who turned 40 last year, has just ... A: The doctor that I would recommend to you is Dr. Robert Marx. He is located at the University of ...
Tooth implants	6/8/2009
Q: I extracted 5 teeth #18 through #22 before finally I was diagnosed with the permanent nerve damage ... A: I generally do not recommend mini implants when it is possible to place standard sized implants. ...
mao Inhibitor and epinephrine	6/7/2009
Q: I have been taking nardil which is an MAO inhibitor for twenty seven years and I know that I cannot ... A: Although the risk is very low in MAO inhibitors and epinephrine interaction, I generally stay away ...
wisdom teeth removal and antibiotics	6/3/2009
Q: . I recently had my wisdom teeth (all 4) pulled. that went well so far and i haven't had any ... A: Tongue discoloration is usually related to a change in the bacteria that are present in our mouths ...
5 days after wisdom teeth extraction.	6/1/2009
Q: ., I have a few questions and am hoping you can fill me in. I had my 4 wisdom teeth removed on 5/26, ... A: Everything you are describing is normal. The stitches can take 2-14 days to dissolve depending on ...
implants	5/29/2009
Q: Dr. Bressman, do you think 23mm between maxillary canines is enough space to place 4 implants and ... A: Generally you would like to have approximately 2-3 mm between teeth and implants and approximately 3 ...
12 year old molars	5/23/2009
Q: Last week I took my 10 and a half year old daughter to the dentist for a check up. He seemed ... A: Children mature at different ages and the devevlopment of 12 year molars in a patient that is only ...
Wisdom teeth removal at age 42	5/19/2009
Q: Dr. Bressman, I am 42 years old and was recently referred to an Oral Surgeon to have tooth #30 ... A: I am going to answer your question in general terms as I don't like to give medical advice without ...
Wisdomtooth in maxillary sinus	5/15/2009
Q: Local dentist has extracted my upper wisdom tooth on February 12. That's what I assumed at the time. ... A: Heli, Sorry about the delay in answering your question. Running an active oral surgery practice ...
infection after wisdom tooth extraction	5/13/2009
Q: Last friday, I underwent wisdom tooth extraction to extract all 4 of my wisdom teeth(3 of the 4 were ... A: Obviously can't answer your question specifically without having seen you. It is normal to have a ...
Two operations within a week	5/12/2009
Q: I am grateful for your help Dr. Bressman, Thank you. I had 1 of my bottom wisdom tooth removed ... A: This should go away as the swelling from the bottom resolves. Unless it is bothering you a lot, I ...
removal of wisdom tooth vs crown and post	5/4/2009
Q: I went to a dentist recently for a checkup and cleaning (I hadn't been to a dentist in over 4 yrs), ... A: Mark, Yes in fact there is a nerve below the roots of the lower back teeth including the wisdom ...
wisdom teeth/fool breath	5/3/2009
Q: I had 4 wisdom teeth removed about 52 hours ago. I have had foul smelling breath since the surgery. ... A: Very normal reaction. Most of the time patients notice bad breath related to the blood that is ...
Massive Infection and Deep Trauma to Jaw Bone After 2 Wisdom Tooth Extraction	5/2/2009
Q: Approx. 1 1/2 weeks ago I had 2 wisdom teeth (#s 16 and 17) extracted by a less than reputable oral ... A: Clearly a very complex question that will be difficult to answer completely for you because there is ...
dental implant	4/30/2009
Q: Should an x-ray have been taken prior to extraction of a tooth whose crown fell off while eating? I ... A: Once the crown had fallen off, it would be a relatively simple thing for the dentist to inspect the ...
Wisdom Teeth	4/30/2009
Q: Just had Wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday, top and bottom on right side. Bottom one was impacted and ... A: Jeremy, Yes this is abnormal and should not be happening. First off, you should not try to create ...
Caldwell Luc Procedure	4/28/2009
Q: I had 3 upper teeth extracted in December 2007. I have had nothing but trouble with the surgical ... A: The caldwell luc procedure only describes the method of access to the maxillary sinus. The actual ...
Caldwell Luc Procedure	4/28/2009
Q: I had 3 upper teeth extracted in December 2007. I have had nothing but trouble with the surgical ... A: Paul Depends a bit on what they are actually doing. A caldwell luc procedure is a specific ...
Oro-antral communication	4/24/2009
Q: I extracted an upper right second molar. It was a simple extraction but when the patient gargled, ... A: Raziel, It sounds as if the patient has an oral antral communication (as you suspected). Openings ...
Soreness of lower jaw 3 weeks after wisdom tooth surgery	4/23/2009
Q: I had my wisdom teeth removed about 3 weeks ago. Everything has been going fine and it had seemed ... A: Ben, It sounds as if you have a problem that occurs in a small percentage of patients following the ...
Need INFO	4/22/2009
Q: I am 26yrs old, my wisdom teeth have grown in and have done major damage. I've seen a dentist and a ... A: Most major cities have oral and maxillofacial surgery training programs. Some allow their residents ...
17 year old sons impacted molar and wisdom teeth	4/21/2009
Q: My son has his back molars and wisdom teeth impacted (4 upper and 4 lower).On the lower right jaw ... A: Sandra Like many of the questions that I get, this is difficult to answer without all of the ...
Bad molar contact	4/21/2009
Q: I am an American presently deputed in Afghanistan. Recently I had to visit a local dentist due to a ... A: Rob This is very difficult to answer for you because really don't have enough information. In ...
Mucocele	4/4/2009
Q: I had a Mucocele removed in Nov 08 and it grew back resulting in another surgery. 1st day after the ... A: Post operative infections are incredibly unusual with this type of surgery. Not impossible, but I ...
dental implant	4/4/2009
Q: Are dental implants considered cosmetic surgery? My step daughter had teeth #7 and #10 pulled ... A: The definition of medical necessity is one that every insurance company deals with differently. In ...
fractured jaw appearance	4/2/2009
Q: i just had a fractured jaw surgery where they had to insert a plate and two screw into my lower left ... A: Kurtis, It is impossible for me to answer your specific question without a lot more information. ...
Dental Implants Healing and Gums	4/1/2009
Q: 3 years ago i had a road accident and knocked out and broke most of my top front teeth (two middle ... A: Erin, A really complex set of questions that I hope I can help with somewhat. Of course, I can't ...
Deciding to remove all third molars	4/1/2009
Q: Bressman, thank you for your time and help to the world. My question is whether to take out all ... A: Justin, The key to making this type of decision is based on x-rays and clinical exam. It is also ...
Extraction of Molar	3/31/2009
Q: I have a question about extraction. I believe I will need to have my upper right molar #3 removed. ... A: John It is going to be a more difficult extraction because the tooth has had a root canal and ...
Credentials of dentists	3/31/2009
Q: This is the second time now my sister has gone to a dentist. The first time a dentist/oral surgeon ... A: This is indeed a difficult problem for patients. In general, I would advise that you begin by ...
Oral Antral Fistula	3/29/2009
Q: I had a root canal in September on my second upper left molar. Turns out tooth was fractured - so it ... A: Based on your sinus CT scan and endoscopy with the ENT surgeon, I doubt that this is an oral antral ...
Wisdom Teeth Removal/ Swollen Jaw	3/29/2009
Q: I had my wisdom teeth removed almost 4 weeks ago and the bottom left was apparently quite a bit more ... A: Kim, No this is not normal. It sounds like a post-operative infection that can crop up around four ...
painful extraction site	3/29/2009
Q: Last monday I had #17 removed. It was a surgical removal( not quite sure what that means but thats ... A: Chris, The type of pain that you are describing is consistent with a "dry socket". This is ...
Removing wisdow teeth	3/28/2009
Q: I have 2 wisdom teeth on the bottom. One grew in straight, but it's all the way in the back and it ... A: There are many reasons for removing wisdom teeth most of which revolve around the trapping of ...
baby tooth with permanent tooth in gum line	3/27/2009
Q: Would you recommend for a 48 year old that still has a baby tooth in the mouth with a permanent ... A: A little complex to answer your question because there is not adequate information. At the age of ...
Oral Surgery-Removal Of Cyst	3/26/2009
Q: My Fiancee is 24 years old and is scheduled to have his cyst removed. His cyst was found when he was ... A: Andrew, Sorry that you and your fiancee are having to deal with this significant problem. As I am ...
Bone shard or possible tooth splinter.	3/26/2009
Q: I had both bottom wisdom teeth extracted around two months ago. One of which was partially impacted. ... A: Without seeing the situation and knowing exactly what is going on, it is not uncommon to see small ...
Problems after wisdom teeth extraction	3/25/2009
Q: Dr. Bressman, First off, I want to thank you for this service that you provide! I had all four of ... A: It is not the nerve running through your lower jaw that is causing sensitivity but just a ...
Broken Jaw	3/25/2009
Q: I had 6 teeth pulled (4 wisdom with 2 lower impacted) per request by my orthodontist 2 weeks ago. ... A: Elizabeth, First, let me say that I am sorry about the problems that you are going through. ...
Problems after wisdom teeth extraction	3/24/2009
Q: Dr. Bressman, First off, I want to thank you for this service that you provide! I had all four of ... A: Zak, This is a fairly common side effect of having your wisdom teeth removed. I tell my patients ...
Swelling after extraction	3/23/2009
Q: I had my upper molar extracted 5 days ago (furthest back tooth). The procedure went well. Suddenly ... A: Daniel The answer to your question is that yes, possibly, a canker sore can cause swelling around ...
Jaw problems after tooth extration	3/21/2009
Q: I had an abcessed tooth removed over a week ago and am having trouble opening my my mouth enough to ... A: Dry socket (professionally know as alveolar osteitis) is a situation where the blood clot that is ...
wisdom teeth	3/21/2009
Q: my 18 year old..otherwise healthy daughter had her wisdom teeth removed in early February. 8 days ... A: Michelle, I know that it is important to try to find a cause for your daughters problems. ...
wisdom tooth pulled with problems	3/20/2009
Q: When he did pull It I did feel something click in my throat, and it feels like it spreading through ... A: Its a long time since you had your tooth removed. You don't say if you are still having problems or ...
Post extraction Question	3/18/2009
Q: 2 weeks ago, I had a tooth extracted and a bone graft. The tooth had fractured and was VERY ... A: First, let me say that it is impossible for me to tell for sure what is going on with you without ...
Preventing Mucoceles?	3/18/2009
Q: Ok, let me try to rephrase my question. I know mucoceles are caused by trauma, which I am told ... A: OK so now at least I understand that you have had two mucoceles. You don't say if they are in the ...
Preventing Mucoceles?	3/17/2009
Q: Ok, let me try to rephrase my question. I know mucoceles are caused by trauma, which I am told ... A: Curtis I have not ever heard of using a night guard to prevent mucoceles but I don't see any harm ...
White thick stuff on tongue	3/17/2009
Q: Ok it has now been 6 days since I got 13 teeth pulled including all my wisdom teeth, all seems to be ... A: Could be a yeast infection such as thrush but most likely just a side effect of medications. Keep ...
Alveoloplasty	3/17/2009
Q: My teeth were extracted 1/19/09. The lower denture doesn't fit right. Should the alveolopasty been ... A: The alveoloplasty can sometimes be done at the time of extraction but if the patient is thinking of ...
Jaw problems after tooth extration	3/16/2009
Q: I had an abcessed tooth removed over a week ago and am having trouble opening my my mouth enough to ... A: Lockjaw (or tetanus) is almost unheard of in modern oral surgery practice. More likely, is either ...
Wisdom tooth shoved into nasal cavity	3/16/2009
Q: My 25 yr old brother had his wisdom teeth removed the other day by a dentist. One of the teeth got ... A: Kim, There is some information missing here that would make it easier to answer your question ...
Jaw Spams after wisdom teeth removal	3/16/2009
Q: I am 28 years old and I had my wisdom teeth recently removed. The lower right tooth saw completely ... A: Brooke, I wish that I could easily answer this question for you. Unfortunately, there is some ...
Dry socket worries	3/15/2009
Q: I had 13 teeth pulled including all my wisdom teeth this month on the 11th, am I still at high risk ... A: Not necessarily instant pain. The pain of dry socket tends to develop over time (perhaps 24 hrs or ...
Dry socket worries	3/15/2009
Q: I had 13 teeth pulled including all my wisdom teeth this month on the 11th, am I still at high risk ... A: Your highest risk period for dry socket is during the first seven days after the removal of your ...
?	3/13/2009
Q: My 12 year old son had a milk tooth extracted from the bone below his nose. He had the gum cut to ... A: Lisa - Seems somewhat difficult to answer your question without more detail. Obviously, it is ...
gums numb and painful	3/13/2009
Q: I had 21 teeth pulled last Monday and the gums on the top and in the front are numb feelig to the ... A: We are missing a bit of information here. With this many teeth, did you have an immediate denture ...
Bone Growths in Mouth	3/13/2009
Q: For two weeks now, I've had bone growths irritating my mouth. I had 2 bottom wisdom teeth and one ... A: Since you say that you had your third molars out 10 years ago, it is unlikely to be related in any ...
removal of lower third molars	3/13/2009
Q: My lower third molars are in a partial bony impaction position, and my oral surgeon told me that the ... A: There are a number of different ways to comfortably achieve removal of your third molars. These can ...
Wisdom teeth	3/12/2009
Q: I recently got my wisdom teeth removed (On Fri 3/6) and I've been back to the oral surgeon twice ... A: although the picture is not particularly clear it sounds as if you have what is called soft tissue ...

All Questions in This Category

Oral Surgery

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jeff Bressman, DDS, Diplomate ABOMS

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 24 years of experience. The majority of my practice involves dental implants, removal of wisdom teeth, treatment of areas of oral pathology. Please note that this site is designed for general information and I can not give you medical advice specific for you.

Experience

I have over 24 years of private practice experience

Organizations
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fellow American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Diplomate National Dental Board of Anesthesia, Fellow American Dental Society for Anesthesia

Education/Credentials
BS, University of Illinois with honors DDS, University of Illinois, with high honors Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Encyclopedia

Browse Answers: