What is the management for a 41-year-old male with post-operative bleeding from wisdom teeth extraction sites?

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Differential Diagnosis for 41-year-old Male with Post-Extraction Bleeding

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Post-operative bleeding or hemorrhage: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's recent history of wisdom teeth removal and the onset of bleeding after lifting a heavy object. The bleeding has stopped, but the patient still experiences discomfort and swelling at the extraction sites.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): Although the patient is still on amoxicillin, which reduces the risk of dry socket, the trauma from lifting a heavy object could have dislodged the blood clot, leading to this condition.
    • Infection: Despite the patient being afebrile and having no difficulty swallowing, infection is still a possible complication, especially if the bleeding was significant or if the patient's wound is not healing properly.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Airway compromise: Although the patient is currently able to swallow without difficulty, any significant swelling or bleeding in the oral cavity could potentially compromise the airway, leading to a life-threatening situation.
    • Bleeding disorder: The patient's bleeding could be a sign of an underlying bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia or a platelet disorder, which would require immediate attention and further evaluation.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Arteriovenous fistula: A rare complication of tooth extraction, where an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein forms, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
    • Osteonecrosis of the jaw: A rare but serious condition that could occur as a result of trauma, infection, or other factors, leading to necrosis of the jawbone.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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