Pain in Jaw and Teeth After Ear Cyst Lancing
MALE, 22 I recently had an infected cyst on my ear. After taking Keflex, the infection stopped spreading, although the cyst itself wasn't draining properly. Ultimately, I opted for a lancing procedure, and approximately 90% of the cyst was removed. Leading up to this, I noticed some mild discomfort in my teeth, but now the pain has worsened significantly. Additionally, I’ve started experiencing slight headaches. I'm starting to wonder if the cyst was pressing on a nerve, and that the procedure has exacerbated that irritation, resulting in increased pain. They prescribed clindamycin afterwards, but considering how many antibiotics I've taken recently, I’m hesitant to continue, as I want to protect my gut health. Since the Keflex effectively halted the infection's progression, I assumed that lancing would suffice. So, in summary: is the discomfort I’m feeling simply due to nerve irritation from the cyst removal, and will it subside? Should I go ahead and take the clindamycin while dealing with potential nausea, or did the Keflex already resolve the issue? I’m trying to avoid consulting AI for health matters (I know it sounds silly), but my financial situation prevents me from visiting the doctor frequently.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 3:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing increased jaw and tooth pain following a surgical procedure on your ear cyst, along with slight headaches. It’s understandable to be concerned about whether this discomfort is due to nerve irritation or if there might still be an underlying infection.
Explanation
After lancing a cyst, it’s common to experience some increase in localized discomfort or pain due to tissue healing processes. The close proximity of the ear to your jaw and teeth means that inflammation or pressure changes can affect nerve pathways, potentially causing referred pain in your teeth or jaw. However, it’s also important to consider that lingering symptoms could indicate residual infection or other issues.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Begin by keeping a daily record of your pain levels, frequency of headaches, and any other new symptoms, like fever or swelling. This will help identify patterns or changes.
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Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (if not contraindicated for you), to help manage the discomfort. Follow the recommended dosages on the package.
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Clindamycin Decision: If you have concerns about your gut health due to recent antibiotic use, it may be reasonable to wait a couple of days. However, if symptoms worsen or you notice signs of infection (like increased redness, swelling, or fever), starting clindamycin may be necessary despite concerns over gut health. If you decide to take it, consider using probiotics to help mitigate gut disruption.
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Hydration and Diet: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, which can support gut health during antibiotic use.
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Rest and Reduce Stress: Ensure you are getting plenty of rest as your body heals, and practice stress-reduction techniques, like deep breathing or gentle walks.
If symptoms persist or significantly worsen, an evaluation may be necessary, even if that means seeking lower-cost options such as community health clinics or telehealth services.
Feel reassured that many people experience post-procedural discomfort, and with proper monitoring and care, many of these issues resolve with time. Please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if needed!
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