female visited general doctor and dentist for several months before and after taking priscription meds to clear up any infection,and to relieve pain before and after teeth extraction. (4) teeth to be exact. However home now for one week after dental but still have excruciating pain in head, right above and back of left ear. It is almost unbearable. the general practitioner and dental specialist thought extracting the teeth would take care of everything, however, it didn't. Patient is female at age 65 years.
Can anyone tell me what is wrong and what we can do to fix it? Please help.
Thanks to all, in advance.
Patricia and James H.
Hello, Patricia and James.
If the pain is persisting and even unbearable after tooth extraction, it is crucial to follow up with healthcare providers as soon as possible. Here are some steps that could be taken:
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Immediate Follow-Up: The patient should return to the dentist or seek an appointment with the general practitioner as soon as possible to report this ongoing pain. There could be a range of issues from dry socket (alveolar osteitis), which is common after extractions and causes significant pain, to other dental issues like infection or damage to surrounding areas.
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Pain Management: The healthcare provider may prescribe pain relief medication to manage the symptoms while they investigate the cause.
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Additional Diagnostic Tests: The healthcare provider may need to perform additional tests, such as imaging scans (like an X-ray or MRI) to check for other potential issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, nerve damage, or other dental issues that might not have been initially apparent.
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Specialist Referral: Depending on the findings, a referral to a specialist might be necessary. For example, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, a neurologist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon could provide further insights.
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Second Opinion: If you are not satisfied with the care or explanations given by the current healthcare providers, seeking a second opinion from another dentist or doctor may be beneficial.
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Home Care: While waiting for the appointment, continue to apply any home care techniques recommended by the dentist, such as cold compresses, gentle jaw exercises, or rinsing with salt water (if advised).
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of the pain, including its intensity, frequency, and any triggers or relievers. Note if there are any other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or changes in hearing, which could be pertinent to the healthcare providers.
Good luck.