HI - I have a problem. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on 9/26. All 4 were removed and they were impacted. It is now 2 days later and even though the dentist's office told me to go back Oct 3rd to have my stitches removed it seems as though they have broke. Where I once felt stitches, there are none now, and I am experiencing swelling, and a dull ache in my jaws. I am concerned but I have no bleeding - should I be worried?

I wouldn't be worried. I had mine out on the 26th also. Maybe he gave you the dissolvable stitches and just needs you to go back for a post-op checkup. As for the swelling, that could last up to 5 days. My oral surgeon said that after the first 24 hours, if you still have swelling, there isn't really much you can do for it besides wait for it to go down on its own. It's been 4 days since I had mine out and I have a little bit of swelling (only noticeable if you know how thin my face was) and I really don't have much discomfort. I hope everything goes well with your healing and if you are still concerned, call the oral surgeon and ask him what he thinks... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

It sounds normal. I think tiggydunc may be right, the stitches could be dissolvable. Mine are. If you're not bleeding then it shouldn't be a problem. I had my teeth out on the 25th and I'm still swollen and my jaw is aching a lot right now too.

hi guys,
i just wanted to tell you that everything you are saying is normal. most oral surgeons put in dissovable stitches (they are called gut sutures) as far as jaw pain and swelling they are all normal. as long as you don't have an odd or nasty taste not a bloody taste but something gross, (which is a sign of infection) then you are ok. i am a certified oral surgery assistant, so if you have any more questions feel free to ask.