How to manage pain and swelling after wisdom tooth removal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had my wisdom teeth removed this week, but one area has not been healing well. I believe a dry socket may be developing at one site. My symptoms include severe, persistent pain, limited ability to open my jaw, bad breath even after brushing, an unpleasant bitter taste, and swelling that has not decreased as much as on the other side. The pain radiates from the affected site around my jaw, down my neck, and up the side of my head.

I may have noticed yellowish-orange discharge, though I am not certain. It is the weekend, and I cannot contact my dentist until Monday. I am wondering if visiting the emergency room would be appropriate so they can examine the site, help manage the pain, check for possible infection, clean the area if needed, and possibly apply a numbing dressing to help me get through the weekend until I can see my dentist. What is your opinion?

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns. Yes, from the symptoms that you are facing, it is a dry and infected socket. An emergency room doctor typically cannot treat a dry socket. While a dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction, it is considered a dental emergency, and the emergency room is not equipped to provide the specialized treatment required. A dentist is the appropriate healthcare professional to manage a dry socket.

Placing the soothing dressing in the socket requires injecting anesthesia at the site of the socket, cleaning it of any infected tissue, and inserting the dressing, which helps promote healing and reduce pain.

For now, you can take Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) 1 gram every 12 hours to minimize and eliminate the spread of infection.
For pain relief, you can receive a Voltaren (Diclofenac) intramuscular injection once or twice daily until visiting your dentist, as it may slightly reduce the pain.
You can also use an anesthesia spray, which is available over the counter. Spray a few drops on a small cotton ball and place it around or inside the painful socket to help ease discomfort.

Please speak to your specialist doctor and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this answers your query.

Thank you.