Concerns About Swelling Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction
I'm feeling quite anxious about my husband, who is 62 years old and currently in remission from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After undergoing a stem cell transplant this past summer, he recently experienced discomfort that led to the removal of one of his wisdom teeth. However, I’ve noticed that his entire face is alarmingly swollen. I’m really worried about his condition. He reports some soreness but insists that he feels alright otherwise. Is this swelling a cause for concern?
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 1:20:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Swelling after wisdom tooth extraction, especially post-stem cell transplant, can be concerning but may be part of the healing process. However, monitoring is crucial due to your husband's medical history.
Explanation: After a wisdom tooth extraction, it's common to experience swelling as part of the body's response to surgery. Typically, swelling peaks around 48-72 hours after the procedure, then gradually reduces. However, given your husband's health history with acute myeloid leukemia and stem cell transplant, any swelling requires careful observation as he may be more susceptible to infections or complications.
Your husband may feel sore, but it’s important to differentiate between normal post-operative swelling and symptoms that indicate a problem, such as infection. Since you are feeling anxious about the swelling, it’s valid to seek clarity on whether any further action is needed.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the swelling over the next couple of days. Check if it’s getting worse or if he develops new symptoms (like fever, increased pain, or difficulty swallowing/breathing).
-
Cold Compress: Apply ice packs to the outside of his face for 15-20 minutes at a time, particularly within the first 48 hours to help reduce swelling.
-
Pain Management: Ensure he takes over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by the dentist or surgeon, which can also aid in reducing swelling.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage him to stay well-hydrated and to consume soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, as this can help him feel more comfortable.
-
Contact Healthcare Provider: If the swelling worsens, or if any concerning symptoms arise (like fever, persistent or increasing pain, or pus), reach out to his healthcare provider immediately for advice tailored to his condition.
Your concerns are completely understandable, and being vigilant about his recovery is important. Just remember that swelling can be a normal part of the healing process, but keeping an eye on it is smart. Let me know if you have any other questions or need additional support.
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.