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pegpeg57 · May 1, 2013, 09:50 AM

I had all my upper teeth extracted and dentures 5 days ago. I was feeling in the back where my molars were, and I felt bone or something in the sockets. When I feel inside the cavity with my finger, I can tap on something like bone on both sides. Is this where my teeth broke off at the gum or the jaw bone? Do you think it's the fault of the dentist that he didn't get all of the teeth out?

tickle · May 1, 2013, 09:55 AM

If that is the case it is the fault of the dentist, but first off stop poking around the extraction site before you contaminate it. What you are feeling is BONE.

Alty · May 1, 2013, 10:53 AM

It very well could be the tooth root that broke off when the teeth were extracted. This happens often when extracting teeth, especially if the tooth is rotten, and most dentists prefer to leave the root tip in as it can cause more issues trying to remove it, especially if it's in a sensitive spot like the sinus, etc.

If it doesn't heal properly, or causes you pain, you'll need to see an oral surgeon as a regular dentist may not be able to remove this tip.

No, it's not the dentist's fault. Your tooth was too brittle, or rotted to get it all out intact

pegpeg57 · May 1, 2013, 11:17 AM

The dentist should have warned me that he didn't get all of the teeth out or said something, right? It just hurt my feelings that he just let me go, thinking that everything would be fine. I can't even wear my dentures because of the pain. They said to come back so the dentist can take another ex-ray but should I have to pay more? Thanks for everyone's help!

Wondergirl · May 1, 2013, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by pegpeg57

The dentist should have warned me that he didn't get all of the teeth out or said something, right? It just hurt my feelings that he just let me go, thinking that everything would be fine. I can't even wear my dentures because of the pain. They said to come back so the dentist can take another ex-ray but should I have to pay more? Thanks for everyones help!

You must report this to the dentist and give him a chance to examine it all again with your comments and even x-ray, if he has to. You cannot wear the dentures because of pain? He needs to know that too. And stop poking around with your fingers! As for charges, I would hope any after-treatment (followup on the same surgery/procedure) is included in the original cost.

tickle · May 1, 2013, 12:51 PM

I guess we can only assume, not being able to see the extraction site.

If OP had the extractions done just five days ago, gums and surrounding tissue would probably be too tender to attempt the dentures. OP could be doing more damage by trying to wear the dentures.

There is bone and tissue on all four sides of the extraction site; it is common when people poke around there and feel 'something', this is probably nothing. Follow up with your dentist if you are worried, that is what he is there for.

I worked for an Endodontist/Oral Surgeon for five years in Toledo, who always made sure everything was taken out before discharging a patient, but always gave explicit instructions to not poke any objects, or fingers into the sockets, causing irritation and slowness of the healing process.

tickle · May 1, 2013, 01:33 PM

pegpeg, don't get mad at the dentist; agree to the additional x ray, it can only help to see what is going on at all the extraction sites.

You had all of your upper molars removed, that is (unless you have a rogue tooth) four root canals; your incisors have 2 root canals; the roots inside all canals are soft tissue carrying the nerves of the tooth, this is why we feel a bad tooth paining, mostly because it has gone down to the nerve or the root in the canal.

Upper teeth when rotting are still not as bad a shape as the lower teeth because the lower teeth get all of the residue from food not cleaned out properly. I don't know what kind of shape they were in.

I hope you are following procedures given to you by your dentist for aftercare, rinsing with salt water for sure to help the healing process and reduce swelling.