I don't know what to do. I truu am living proof of Murphy's Law! Please tell me what you think I should do here.
I had all of my teeth yanked last Thursday. The oral surgeon put the dentures in after the surgery. He spoke to my mom after the surgery. Even though it took an hour longer than he said it would, he told mum that everything went well, save for my bottom dentures were too big and I'd have to see my dentist on Monday ( I had 22 teeth removed, maybe that was what took the extra time?). That was it.
The dentures were so painful on both the uppers and lower, that I finally took them out in the wee hours of Friday morning. The swelling had my entire face swollen to the point where my eyes were closing. There's bruising on the right side of my face (chin and jaw). Also noticed that there's a big slice in my gums and cheek on the upper left side. No wonder the dentures were hurting! They were pulling on those stitches and the gum and cheek split, but there's still stitching.
Now on the bottom right there's a HUGE pool of blood on the gums and cheek. Do I just go see the dentist and let him deal with it since I couldn't keep the huge dentures in anyway? Do I go to the oral surgeon? I called the surgeon's office on Friday night and told them about how much pain I was in and about the huge swelling (didn't know about the cut gum and couldn't tell if that pool of blood was swelling or what). Take ibuprofen and go to E.R. if I think I need to. Love on call docs.
Any advice? The pain is much better by the way, I just have to keep trying to hide my toothless self from my kids and Iook like butt. I just can't fathom running around from doc to doc like this.
Thanks for listening. Sorry so long!
Peace and blessings,
~Andrea
Andrea - you poor thing, nothing prepares you for dealing with the pain after having all those teeth pulled.
It does take a while to pull each tooth - plus, molars some times take a little longer than the rest.
I too had some black and blue marks on my face after the surgery.
It's too bad the bottom denture is too big, I think it would have helped reduce your swelling had it fit right and you had kept it in.
I'm sure the cut in your gums is part of your pain. You will find out how tender gums are and how they can be affected by food trapped under your dentures, if your dentures don't fit right and cause rubbing, etc. You will need several trips back to the dentist for them to make adjustments to your dentures. If you don't address ill fitting dentures you WILL get sore spots and it will hurt to eat, etc.
It's important that your gums clot from the extractions, if it were me, I would not mess with the pool of blood (as you don't want to start the bleeding all over again) - and wait for your dental app't. on Monday. Did they say anything about a warm salt water rinse? Again, you WANT the clots to form and you don't want to get dry socket which is very painful.
I'm guessing they told you NOT to drink from a straw - you definitely don't want to do that.
I know it seems like an eternity away - but, try and hang in there until your appointment tomorrow.
Best wishes,
Bucky
If you are still bleeding, use a wet tea bag. I had excessive bleeding after having 3 teeth out and the wet tea bag finally stopped the bleeding. The whole left side of my face, upper lip and left side of my neck swelled, but it eventually went down. I had a dry socket after having a wisdom tooth extracted - it is very painful. You need to leave whatever clots you have in place. You could also try an ice pack.
Thank you so much Nancy and Katie! This helps a ton! There have been so many people who've had them out and say things like "I was back to normal on day six." and "Didn't even need my pain meds on day three." No one talked about the bruising and swelling for days. I didn't bruise until yesterday and the swelling is down a wee bit, but this is day 4... I know it's not going to be gone in 2 days.
It's that dang spot where the stitches and split in my gums and cheek are that's causing most of the pain. There are also stitches coming out in the front and that is causing a good deal of pain. There's hardly any pain anywhere else. I could see then, feeling great after 6 days if it weren't for this stuff.
My after surgery care says NOTHING about not sucking! I knew this from listening to everyone on the forum! Nothing about dry sockets. The blood pool, stays the same with ice and heat. Honestly, I think it needs lanced and I bet that's what he'll do. Wonder if that will prevent me from getting the dentures put in tomorrow? There's no way he'll be able to even try to fit them as it is now. There's almost no crease between my cheek and gums.
I have had two clots come out, how do I prevent dry sockets from forming, other than no sucking?
Thanks again ladies! I feel much better about the situation now.
Oh Andrea! I am so sorry. I haven't had teeth pulled except for my wisdom teeth many many years ago. And with those my whole face was swollen and black and blue and I was in bed for 5 days.
I just had to write to let you know others care.
I am also very, very angry at the oral surgeon on call that they did not offer to see you.
I would be tempted to go to the ER.
Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Andrea - here's some information from WebMD that might help you:
"What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
If you look into the site where the tooth was pulled, you'll probably see a dry-looking opening. Instead of a dark blood clot, there will just be whitish bone. The pain typically starts about 2 days after the tooth was pulled. Over time it becomes more severe and can radiate to your ear.
Other symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant smell and taste in your mouth.
How Is Dry Socket Treated?
You can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to ease the discomfort. Sometimes these over-the-counter medications aren't enough to relieve the pain. When that's the case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger drug or will anesthetize the area.
Your dentist will clean the tooth socket, removing any debris from the hole, and then fill the socket with a medicated dressing or a special paste to promote healing. You'll probably have to come back to the dentist's office every day for a dressing change until the socket starts to heal and your pain lessens.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the socket from becoming infected. To care for the dry socket at home, your dentist may recommend that you rinse with salt water or a special mouthwash every day."
WebMD
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Having 22 teeth removed is major surgery! You have to treat your mouth gently for the first few days after surgery - no rinsing your mouth with gusto, like I mentioned before, this will remove the clots, which you DON'T want.
When I had one tooth develop dry socket I had to return to the dentist and he packed the tooth with some gauze (or something similar to it) that helped with the pain, etc.
With our Sjogren's and dry mouth - I'm not sure if we are more prone to dry socket or not. I don't know.
When I had my appointments with the dentist (which I had almost monthly for a whole year - healing is a process and as your gums heal, you will need several adjustments to your dentures), if they had to keep the denture(s) to work on them, they would have me come in the side door so I didn't have to come through the lobby with all the other patients sitting there. This was their suggestion, not mine - although, I appreciated it very much.
Good luck tomorrow.
Bucky
Lucy you are very sweet, thank you! I going to the E.R. was/is somewhat tempting, but it's so expensive, so time consuming and often fruitless. I'm over tired and I just want to sleep... Hoping that tomorrow will bring some progress with the dentist. Thanks again.
Bucky, thanks so much for this information, you rock! I really appreciate your searching for me. You know that's exactly what I did when the clots came out "rinsed with gusto." What a goof I am, I thought it was good! I don't see any bone back there and it doesn't appear dry. Hopefully the dentist can pack it tomorrow. The other one came from west that slice is. It doesn't appear dry either, just sore. Thank you!
I'm SO sorry for what you're going through :( I was also told not to rinse with force. I took naproxen for pain and swelling and was given antibiotics for any infection, which I took for 10 days. I did have a slight bone spur from the pulling, which was a tad bothersome, but not unduly painful, and resolved well enough, within a month. The blood clots took a while, almost 10 days, to form where my upper teeth were pulled.
I had dry socket anyway, where one back tooth was pulled. I rinsed gingerly with 50/50 water and hydrogen peroxide (was on antibiotics and Aleve anyway). It felt better after several days. I did not have an oral surgeon. My dentist performed the extractions and prepared my dentures.
My dentist purposely did some preparation (slicing or cutting) in my lower front gums, where my mini-implants will be placed later this year.
I hope you're a little better in the morning (although mornings were the most difficult time for me). And I hope your visit to the dentist brings you progress, relief and good communication.
I told my dentist every single thing that bothered me. Almost every other day, for almost 3 weeks following the extractions. He had to adjust my dentures every visit. They felt too big also, but after a few relines already, filing, shaping, reshaping to my comfort, I can't complain.
So I may have experienced what you are now, but to a much, much lesser degree. All mine were pulled the beginning of November. It seems like a long time ago now. I sincerely hope you'll feel the same way in a few months.
Wishing you a speedy recovery...let us know how it goes tomorrow!
Hi Andrea - I so hope you are starting to feel better soon. I had one extraction and dry socket and cannot imagine what you feeling now. I would honestly rather be delivered of all 5 of my children consecutively than ever feel that pain again. It went from my jaw to my collar bone, ear and even all the way to my thumb nail! I was lucky that my GP had had it 2 weeks earlier and gave me tramadol to deal with the pain, though really nothing works for the first couple of days.
I just wanted you to know that you are incredibly brave, and will be able to join the others with your wealth of experience once you are through this difficult time. Sending you gentle hugs xx Ailsa
Hi Andrea
I hope you are feeling a lot better today. I can't believe that you had 22 teeth out in one go, and so little guidance about your recovery. The way you were treated sounds like torture, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Sending you a gentle, healing hug.
KAthyx
Thank you all so much. You're such a wonderful source of comfort and support! I am feeling better today. The pain and swelling are easing up a bit. The blood pocket is still there. Without getting into the entire story, I didn't see my dentist today, but will at 12:15 tomorrow. We're supposed to get some bad weather here so I'm hoping he makes it to the office. I'll be there... take a dog sled if I have to! =)
Began with a migraine last night and realized that it was because I hadn't been sleeping with my oxygen because I was afraid of it causing dry sockets. Put it on and it went away almost immediately. Thank the Lord! All I could picture was heaving all the way to the E.R. and having all sorts of things go wrong with my mouth!
Thank you! Love you all!
I hope your visit goes well today and you get some relief!
Hi Everybody,
Well, it looks like I am heading in your direction. I have always had teeth problems,many crowns,bridges, cavities etc.I have been very good about dental hygiene and checkups.I was finally dx'd with Sjogrens in 2010, giving me some clue as to what was going on.
I recently moved to a new area(western New York) after retiring(yay!). I went to a dentist for a routine 4 month cleaning and checkup. Well, I was shocked when they gave me the results of all the xrays and exams( best exam I ever had).They say that in addition to decay, i have bone loss and other issues.Their solutions: 1. do a whole mouth reconstruction,redoing bridges, partials etc. 2. total extractions with implanted dentures(it freaks me out to use the word). We are talking many thousands of dollars here,that I really don't have. I have no insuance right now but am looking for some.
I decided to call my oncologists's nurse(lymphoma in remission)because chemo did alot of damage, too. She is checking with the University's Dental clinic. I decided, after reading these boards, that I should get an opinion from a dentist who has worked with these issues.
Thanks for letting me ramble, but I am so upset.
Any advice is welcome. Anyone in my area?
Hope you feel better.
Hugs,
Lesley
I had chemo R-Chop in 2012 myself. The Sjogrens was coming along with getting the teeth bad and I think the chemo just 'put the nail in the coffin" so to speak.
I know the Sjogrens caused my teeth problems. I have 56 and up until about 10 years ago I only had 5 cavities my Whole Life! Starting about 10 yrs ago I started getting at least 5 every checkup. You can't tell me it is old age! I know it is the Sjogrens.
I guess it was a trade off with the chemo - save me or keep my teeth awhile longer so at least my teeth can be somewhat replaced. ??? :-\ :'(
Thank you, Pisces. It seems like chemo side effects seem to keep coming. I know that it is more important to save me than my teeth, but it is so upsetting to me. Where are you in the dental game?
Hugs,
Lesley
Lesley,
Thank you for both of your posts. I'm very, very sorry you are going through this. I'm also sorry that you're reading my posts and not those of the many others here who've gotten dentures and never looked back. Yes, the first few days, weeks and even months were not ideal, but were also relatively smooth and uneventful. They will all tell you that it's better to just have them pulled than to fuss with (and pay for financially and physically) teeth that will do nothing but give you pain and trouble. These people are the norm. As I stated earlier, I'm living proof of Murphy's Law.
As for what caused my rapid decline in dental health? It was SjS at first. I had beautiful, healthy teeth up until about 10 years ago. It began with a few cavities, then 4 years ago, needing crowns and root canals after never having so much as a cavity. Finally, last July I needed 2 teeth pulled. Went back 3 months later to have 2 root canals and ended up needing 4 more teeth pulled. 9 months later, I needed 14 teeth pulled, with the other 8 all needing extensive work. Those 8 teeth were not guaranteed to last more than 3 years with the extensive work they needed. That's when all of my docs, my dentist and 3 oral surgeons agreed that they should all come out.
I too, have other illnesses that made my teeth decay rapidly. Cushing's Syndrome being the biggest culprit (I lost 2 1/2 " off of my spine in less than a year due to it). Also a hysterectomy and thyroid issues. I'm 42 years old, and had great oral hygiene. All the docs agree that disease did this.
Honestly, once I realized what was going on, I wanted the teeth out. I still am glad they're gone. I am just really going through it right now and just want some teeth that will stay in and not have me looking like a freak. It will happen. Otherwise, I figure that they're teeth, who cares in the big scheme of things? I'll have a new body one day anyway. =)
It will take some time to process and sort of mourn and then you'll find yourself ready and over it. Do searches on these boards for "dentures" and you'll find many bright stories. Nothing like mine. In the mean time, I pray that your remission is permanent and that your journey with SjS is a light one after the teeth.
Grace and peace to you,
~Andrea
Andrea-Thank you somuch for your kind words. I just spoke to my oncologist's nurse.She is beyond amazing. She spoke with the University dental administrator and they do have a dentist who works with chemo patients and other health issues. I have to decide what to do as far as dental insurance.I think this would be a good person to do an evaluation. I hate the thought of losing my teeth, but I have invested thousands of dollars over the years and don't want to go through that again just to have it fail.
The weather in NY is horrible and I haven't been out in 2 days. This has made me become more obsessive about the dental stuff. I will make myself get to the gym soon, today.I haven't told my family or friends because it is too upsetting to me. So glad that I can vent to you guys.
Hugs,
Lesley
I am one of those that was back to work on day six. Not by choice. I really could have used another couple days more off cause I was so tired and still had a bit of pain. I managed though.But remember that I only had UPPERS removed. I did have a bruised eye for 5 days. I had a long root that would not come out and they had to dig and ended up hiting my sinus cavity. I swelled bad by the third day and it started to go down after that. I took my pain meds for a week.
I am sorry your bottom denture is so big. Keeping my upper in really did help. But the taste in my mouth was AWFUL!
I hope you are doing better now... Take care
Christina
I got an appointment in 2 weeks for a consultation with the specialist. The secretary was sooo nice and said that everyone n the office loves this dentist. She has alot of experience. Also, got dental insurance that isn't great, but anything will help.I just paid over $300.00 for 2 visits to the last dentist.Luckily, they had no problem with sending the xrays and exam results that they did last month to the new dentist.
So, now that I have the appt. and insurance, I have to just wait to see what they say. I am trying hard to not stress over this, but my stomach is a wreck. I finally decided that if its thousands of dollars to do a reconstruction, then I will just go the denture route.. Just found out that my best friend in Florida, a 3 time cancer survivor, is going through the same thing.
Thanks for letting me vent.Sorry to complain but nobody else know except you guys. Irish, you are so helpful with your experience.
Feel better, Andrea
Lesley
Ellias
How did your appoint,ent go?
Kathyx
Hi Kathy-had one appt. with the dentist(specialist)-a different one than I planned on because this guy has more experience. He took CAT scan of my jaw. I go back tomorrow to make decision. He didn't have much hope for my teeth. I am too afraid of implants with my immmune system,so we'll see. Thanks for asking.
Lesley
Hi Lesley
Thanks for the update. Will be interested to hear how today's visit goes
Kathyx
Hi Kathy-well-all the uppers have to go. There are abcesses under crowns that I don't even feel yet. That will be done and a temp denture on 3/26. He wanted me to go for the implants but with my health issues I am too afraid. The few teeth that I have left on the bottom, with a partial, only need 2 cavities filled and one crown-keeping the partial.He is optimistic that they will last awhile with some new hygiene instructions. So, I am glad the decision is made. Not too scared anymore. If I can deal with chemo, I can do this
hugs,
Lesley
You'll get through this. Hang in there! At least you don't need both top and bottom. I'm glad to hear the semi-good news.
Sharon
Thanks, Sharon. I feel a little less panicky just having a plan!Irish or anybody, is it hard to get used to the upper denture? I do not want implants.
Thanks and hugs, Lesley
Lesley
I found the upper denture easier to control/keep in place than the bottom ones. Try not to worry too much, having your teeth out is uncomfortable for a few days, but in my experience, nothing near as bad as having abscesses.
I'm glad that you know what direction you are going in now.
Hugs
Kathyx
I have to first say that everyone is different in how they view dentures. I am one of those people who just does what needs to be done and lives with it. Not always the best way, but it saves me a lot of grief in the long run. My teeth and infections were so bad that I did not bat an eye about getting them pulled and have to admit never gave a thought to how I would cope or how I would look. I was so tuned into the fact that I could end up with brain infection at the rate I was going.
For some reason my vanity went out the window long ago. I never know if I should apologize for this or brag about it because this is just the way it is. When you have so many health issues and family has health issues there is no time to look in the mirror and wonder "what if".
Just go get the teeth pulled. Know that your mouth will taste like the bottom of a bird cage for a couple of weeks. When teeth are pulled there is a lot of granulatioin tissue or tissue that has to fill in the holes. WE have to rinse with salt water a lot and drink plenty of fluids to help keep these tissues moist. THe ded tissue needs to slough off and it is better to keep this hydrated as the tissue won't crack or bleed as easily. Any healing his sue has an odor and gum tissue is very, very distinctive.
Also, know that your dentures will be uncomfortable for quite a while and you will have to take them out a lot. GEt some of those masks from your dentist that have the cartoon smiley face on them and talk openly with people when they stare or ask you questions. Keep a sense of humor also. I had my bottom 4 teeth pulled at one time and had to go without them for 9 months. MY boss always teased me unmercifully as I looked like a cartoon character. I would just give him the big smile and keep on keeping on. They are only teeth and the mouth will heal and the dentures will go in and fit. They may not fit the best, but remember that these can be relined when the swelling goes down. Use past when you need it and remember that a little past goes a long ways. I had my teeth in so tight a couple of times I thought they would never come out.
Do not agonize over the decision to get your teeth pulled or the need to wear dentures as nobody really looks at us that much and most people around us don't reallyt care what is going on with our teeth. This is a decision made to improve our health and many times may have saved our lives. It also saves us worry and money in the long run. Do not even give second thoughts to the implants as the possibility of bone infection is greater in people with autoimmune or immune disease.
The only thing I can say is that our society has gotten so hung up on looks and how our teeth look that it is not emotionally healthy for us. Just do what has to be done and keep on living your life. A little pain here and there (and sometimes a lot of pain) is part of the ordeal and it is basically how we perceive the problem and choose to deal with it that makes the difference in our attitude. Good luck all. Irish
Kathy-thanks for the support! :)
Irish-always enjoy your posts. I am really not afraid of dealing with the extraction pain. I have had bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps,and 2 natural childbirths, so i can handle pain. I was more like in a grief mode.I am 66 so it isn't like I am too young. I am going to have a positive attitude and know that this will work!Will I eventually be able to eat our amazing New York apples? Anyway, i will do as you say and just do it. I am hoping it will help some of my health issues.
Take care.
Hugs,
Lesley
You just reminded me that I can't bite into an apple but I can cut it into pieces and eat it which is generally the way I have always eaten them. I can eat corn on the cob though but have to avoid caramel candy. I can't think of anything else that I can't eat. Where there is a will there is always a way. It is amazing what a little patch with denture cream will do when it comes to healing sores on the gums and preventing the dentures from sliding around. I know that you can do it. THe rant of mine was just my personal opinion---no reflection on your thoughts, etc. Hope you did not take it personally.
Oh, just remembered that I can eat all the berries, but the raspberries and blackberries seeds can get under the dentures and are painful. That doesn't stop me though. I eat raspberries everyday on my cold cereal. Good luck. Irish
Thank you,Irish. No, I was not offended by your remarks. You are always helpful. I guess since, at first, my prosthodontist wanted me to go with implants, he said it would be harder for me to eat certain things. But , no implants for me! I already have a bottom partial that is no big deal if a seed or something gets under it. I just take care of it. I will do this and as I said, if I can get through chemo, I can do this.
Hugs,
Lesley
Lesley
You have done amazingly well to keep your teeth so long. I lost one set at 19 and the other at 22, but I was so relieved to see the back of the abscesses and pain. I'm on my fourth set of dentures, and can eat just about everything. I'm now 56.
Kathyx
Kathy-thank you for support. I am coming to terms with it, and I know that I will feel healthier! To add to the fun, I broke my left wrist and now have a cast! Ofcourse, I am left-handed! Hard to type so have to keep this short!
Take care,
Lesley
My goodness Lesley - you don't have to keep all those healthcare workers busy all by yourself!
Sorry to hear about your break. I hope it isn't too uncomfortable, although I bet it is a great inconvenience.
Hugs
Kathyx
Thanks, Kathy-at least I have something to think about besides my teeth!
Lesley
;D ;D ;D
We have to get our humour where we can, don't we?
Kathyx