HomeAnswersOral and Maxillofacial Surgeryimpacted toothWhat is the treatment option for impacted wisdom teeth?

Is the swelling in my upper cheekbone due to my impacted wisdom tooth?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At March 8, 2021
Reviewed AtSeptember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 39 years old, and I had a swelling in my upper cheekbone two months ago without pain. From last week, I have pressure in that area along with ear pain. I have an impacted wisdom tooth on the upper left side. Can it be from this swelling? I went to the dentist, who told me to take Amoxil 1 g twice a day. It has been three days, and it is the same. Can it be from the teeth or something else?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

There may be multiple causes to this issue. Firstly, an impacted upper wisdom tooth near your cheekbones would have a radiating pain feeling from the infected tooth. So upper wisdom tooth extraction would be advisable after consulting with your dentist. The wisdom tooth is like an extra vestigial organ, so you would be advised to get it removed. It might also be if you have any joint problems (TMJ problem), but that is usually treated conservatively, so you can get an opinion from your local dentist to rule out this problem. Painkillers will work only temporarily, as the pain will relapse again once you stop the medication. Please visit your dental surgeon at the earliest to first get a proper diagnosis of whether the impacted tooth is causing you pain.

Investigations to be done

CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) if needed.

Differential diagnosis

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problem or disorder.

Probable diagnosis

Wisdom tooth infection or pericoronitis.

Treatment plan

Wisdom tooth extraction on the left side.

Preventive measures

Hot salt water rinsing 5 to 6 times a day. Painkiller like Dolokind Plus (Aceclofenac and Paracetamol) or Nucoxia P (Etoricoxib and Paracetamol).

Regarding follow up

Follow-up after one week or visit your dentist at the earliest.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

The jaw on this side is slightly swollen also. I have been taking Amoxicillin 2 g per day for three days. Is it normal to be the same? Can it be something more serious like cancer? I read on the -nternet, and I am scared.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

A biopsy is very rarely required for just a swelling. If the node is not subsiding, it might be because the tooth infection is severe. I would advise you to visit your surgeon without any fear to find out if the wisdom tooth on either side is causing you pain and swelling. Also, continue the preventive measures suggested, quit smoking and alcohol consumption, if any, and get regular dental cleaning done from now. All the best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Dentistry

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