Had molar extracted, dental implant inserted. Having muscle spasms on left side of face. Unable to open mouth. Suggestions?
Patient: i need advice form a neurologist . I had the left lower 3rd molar extracted and dental implant inserted at the same time on 13 March 2013. 7 days later i started getting messeter muscle spasms and pain in L side of face. Dentist removed implant on 26 March 2013 and said it is most likely a dry socket. i can not open my mouth at all now since 24 March and if I try I get the most excrutiating pain in the masseter muscle . I am taking anti-inflammatories, Flagyl antibiotics, muscle relaxents but still no improvement. The muscle is in constant spasm but how can i prevent the acute spasms when trying to open my mouth Kathleen Doctor: Hi,  Thanks  for  aksing  the  query,  Pain  can  be  because  development  of  dry  socket ,  dental  implant  should  be  placed  after  healing  of  the  wound  .  Take  complete  course  of  antibiotic  and  analgesic  . Use  saline  water  gargles  3-4  times  daily  ,  use  antiseptic  mouthwash  gargles  twice  daily  this  will  prevent  infection  and  promote  healing.  Avoid  eating  hot  and  spicy  food . Maintain  a  good  oral  hygiene .  Your  Dentist  can  even  clean  the  socket  to  remove  the  debris  and  place  a  dressing  of  zinc  oxide  eugenol  to  promote  healing  .  You  probably  have  to  come  back  to  the  dentist  periodically  to  change  the  dressing   .  Dry  socket   ususlly  takes  a  time  upto  two  weeks  to  heel.  Hope  this  helps  out.  Regards...