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Conrad3000
Forumite 97 posts
Hi all. About 3 weeks ago I had 2 bottom right molars removed. The gap seems to be healing fine but the outside of the gums (facing the inside of the mouth) have started to feel really rough and my tongue isn't taking too kindly to the predicament.
That rough bit seems to have white patches too. I phoned the dentist and the receptionist just asked me to use mouthwash. I've been using saltwater now and again but no joy.
I finally managed an appointment in a few days time, but I want to know if it's a minor issue which some antibiotics will cure.
Thanks.
That rough bit seems to have white patches too. I phoned the dentist and the receptionist just asked me to use mouthwash. I've been using saltwater now and again but no joy.
I finally managed an appointment in a few days time, but I want to know if it's a minor issue which some antibiotics will cure.
Thanks.
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Replies
I think I know what the cause is. When I sleep on either side, the tongue seems to push against the gum and it's putting a bit of pressure on the area where the problem is.
I'll try to sleep with my head slightly elevated and see if there's any improvement.
Anyhoo, upshot was I thought he'd remove the tooth but no, he said no probs, he'd built it up. But it seemed to take absolutely ages for everything to heal. Particularly the tongue. So what I'm trying to say is that I don't think 3 weeks is a long time after two extractions and you're doing the right thing going back to see what the dentist can do. In my experience (I was thinking I had cancer inside my cheeks and all kinds of horrible things because it just wasn't healing . . . Salt water didn't help but Colgate Peroxyl mouthwash did - that was recommended by my old dentist years ago and it's not as cheap as some but it is really good.)
I really do think yours is a minor issue but your dentist will be able to help. Don't worry. I worried like billyo but my mouth healed up fine, just took longer than I'd have liked.
Good luck! But you won't need it.
It's the bit where the dentist put the needle for the general anaesthetic to work. It doesn't seem to be healing for some reason. I do remember it being a bit painful when he did it.
It is of vanishingly small probability that local anaesthetic has caused any reaction, it simply doesn't. It's incredibly safe. A bit of bruising occasionally with deeper ones, but I've never seen a reaction that needed to 'heal up' never mind not healing.
Either way, if something isn't healing up as you'd expect, then either ringing the practice for advice, or a further appointment to get it looked at is called for.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
Btw, the area where the needle went to numb the area has more or less healed. So I guess we can rule that part out.
Funny thing is, they haven't added a day when they first closed, so I'm going to have to ring them daily to see if they're open and when I can re-arrange my appointment.
Also, does anyone have any experience on how the inside of the gums should look a month after a bottom molar and pre-molar were extracted? As mentioned in my OP, the bottom part is rough and white. It's not painful, but I'm wondering if it's part of the healing process.
I don't want to be anxious over nothing.
Thanks guys.