What causes severe pain after tooth extraction?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had my tooth pulled out last week since it started to hurt all of a sudden. It was so painful that I could not even touch the tooth. The dentist suggested doing a root canal, but I got it extracted since I was unable to afford it. I had undergone extraction previously and the pain was bearable. I would take Ibuprofen for the pain. But this time the pain is so bad that I am losing my mind and I am taking a lot of narcotic pain medications. I am currently taking a 50 mcg Fentanyl patch and about six tablets of Percocet 10 mg a day. Also, I am taking tablets Zofran 8 mg, Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg, and BuSpar 15 mg. I am taking medications for my back problem for the past six years.

Today, I noticed a weird lump in the vestibular area under the region where the tooth was pulled out. It is not in the gums, and I experience a bad taste in my mouth very often. It hurts to the touch even if I touch my face near that region. The pain is on the entire left side of my face including the lower jaw and the pain radiates to my ear and neck. There is mild swelling too. There is no whitehead or anything. I tried to squeeze it, but nothing came out. It just hurts so bad. I have major spinal surgery in five days, and I am worried about this. I have a mass or a cyst in my spinal cord that needs to be removed immediately. The doctors do not know if it is cancerous until they operate it.

I am scared that this will mess up my surgery and I am unable to handle this pain anymore. I am surprised that I am in so much pain despite taking medications. I can barely talk or eat because it hurts so badly if I open my mouth or touch that area. I desperately need help. I have done blood tests recently since I was asked to do them before my spinal surgery. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I appreciate that you have chosen icliniq for your medical needs.

From your description, it clearly seems to be an infection. But, to confirm the cause, an X-ray of the tooth is required. There is a possibility that any root portion of the tooth might have been accidentally left in the socket which might have resulted in an infection and swelling. I suggest you consult your dentist and get it evaluated. You can try taking painkillers like tablet Tramadol after consulting an emergency room. You can also take a painkiller shot. If there is any leftover root piece in the socket, then it has to be removed immediately followed by curettage of the socket and a course of antibiotics and painkillers.

I wish you healthy and happy times ahead.

Thank you.