Can an impacted wisdom tooth cause upper cheek swelling?

Question

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?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There may be multiple causes for this issue. Firstly, an impacted upper wisdom tooth near your cheekbones would have a radiating pain from the infected tooth.

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 I suggest you get a CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) if needed. But the probable cause wisdom tooth infection or pericoronitis. Get an opinion from your local dentist to rule out this problem.

Painkillers will work only temporarily, as the pain will recur once you stop the medication. Please visit your dental surgeon at the earliest to get a proper diagnosis of whether the impacted tooth is causing you pain.

Your treatment may include:

Wisdom tooth extraction on the left side.
A hot salt water rinse five to six times a day.
Take painkillers like Dolokind Plus (Aceclofenac and Paracetamol) or Nucoxia P (Etoricoxib and Paracetamol).
Follow up after one week or visit your dentist at the earliest.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

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 on. All the best.