Post-Tooth Extraction: Abnormal Taste and Tongue Sensations - Dentistry

Altered taste sensation after tooth extraction?

---

Your question: Hello doctor, I visited a major hospital (Lixin Hospital) on December 4th.
On December 3rd, I started experiencing a salty taste on my tongue.
The doctor advised me to observe it for a while, but two days have passed, and it feels like my tongue is pickled in salt.
The salty sensation is only present on the right side of the tip and the back (possibly where the anesthesia was administered).
I am unsure where to seek further medical attention.
Are there any clinics in Taoyuan Zhongli that I can visit? Which department should I consult? Thank you.
Your question: Hello doctor, it has been two weeks since I had my wisdom teeth removed on November 13th.
I can only open my mouth about one finger's width, and if I try to open it wider, it feels like it gets stuck.
The wound is still inflamed, and I have been taking anti-inflammatory medication (although the wound itself no longer hurts).
My face was very swollen, but after acupuncture and massage, the swelling has significantly reduced, although there is still one area that feels hard and painful when pressed.
The right side of my tongue is still numb and slightly swollen.
When I asked the doctor, they said it was due to the wound.
I would like to ask: 1.
How long will it take for me to be able to open my mouth normally? What treatment should I pursue? Previously, the doctor used a mouth opener to examine the wound, and I was in so much pain that I cried.
The second time, I told the doctor not to use it, and they became angry, saying that if I was afraid of pain, I wouldn't be able to open my mouth (I genuinely feel like my jaw is stuck, and it gets very sore if I hold it open for too long).
2.
Is it normal for my tongue to be numb?
Response from the doctor: Dr.
Zhuang Su-Hui from the dental department suggests: 1.
Given your situation, it would be best to go to a major hospital for further examination and treatment, ideally consulting an oral surgeon (a dental specialty).
2.
The treatment for wisdom teeth can vary significantly due to the variations in wisdom teeth, and there are many surgical methods, leading to considerable differences in postoperative recovery.
Without seeing the wound, I cannot provide an accurate assessment or treatment plan, nor can I offer you professional advice.
3.
Difficulty opening your mouth? This involves individual pain tolerance, the speed of wound healing, or other issues, so the time frame can vary greatly.
Treatment must also be tailored to the specific problem.
4.
Numbness of the tongue? The causes are complex, and without seeing the actual condition, I cannot make a judgment.
The treatment for tongue numbness varies greatly depending on the underlying cause, so it is best to seek medical attention at a major hospital as soon as possible for more comprehensive treatment.
5.
My suggestion: After two weeks, you may consider applying local heat to improve blood circulation, which might help with opening your mouth and alleviating tongue numbness.
If the heat application causes increased pain, stop immediately and seek medical attention at a major hospital.
Note: 1.
Most major hospitals have dental emergency services.
If your situation is urgent or uncomfortable, you can visit a nearby major hospital.
The on-call dentist in the emergency department can refer you to the appropriate dental specialist based on your condition.
2.
If you have concerns about the current doctor's treatment approach or explanations, you can seek a second opinion from another doctor.
Asking questions online may not resolve the issue effectively.

---

Fanny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/12/05