Dental Troubles: Seeking Advice
Hello! I'm a 20-year-old female, currently not on any medications except for asthma. Recently, I encountered a problem with one of my teeth; it had developed a crack that required professional attention. After visiting the dentist, they confirmed the crack and decided that a crown was necessary. I went ahead with the procedure, but unfortunately, my tooth was in excruciating pain afterward, prompting me to return the next day to have the crown removed. The dentist prescribed me antibiotics, and during subsequent appointments, they continued to drill a bit more into the tooth to assess the situation. This past Tuesday, I awoke with intense pain, to the point of tears from the toothache. I went back to the dentist, who took a different kind of x-ray and concluded that my adjacent wisdom tooth needed to be extracted. Now, it's been two days since the extraction, and my jaw is quite sore whenever I apply pressure to the same area where the drilling was done. My mouth also feels a bit stiff, making it challenging to open wide. However, I am uncertain whether this discomfort arises from the extraction of my wisdom tooth or if the tooth that was previously causing issues is infected. I even contacted my dentist today regarding the status of the problem tooth. They mentioned it is inflamed and irritated, but did not clarify the presence of any infection. I'm experiencing a bit of anxiety about this situation. What should I do moving forward? Could the irritation and inflammation merely be responses to my wisdom tooth extraction, or is this a sign that I need to remain vigilant regarding the other tooth? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :(
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 3:11:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a very challenging time with your dental health, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about the pain and your current condition. The key points in your situation are the recent wisdom tooth extraction, ongoing discomfort, and inflammation of the tooth that had the crown.
Explanation
After a wisdom tooth extraction, it's common to experience swelling and soreness in the surrounding area. However, your symptoms—especially the significant pain and stiffness—might indicate that there could be more going on with both the extracted wisdom tooth site and the tooth that had the crown. The inflammation you mentioned in the original tooth may be the body's response to trauma or an infection.
To help manage your discomfort and ensure you're on the right track, consider the following steps:
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: To alleviate pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, unless you have any contraindications or allergies. Ensure you're following the dosing instructions on the label.
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Apply Ice: For the first couple of days after your wisdom tooth extraction, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek for about 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and numb the area.
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Gentle Mouth Care: Maintain oral hygiene but do so gently. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, particularly after meals, to help keep the area clean.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or fever, or if the pain from the original tooth worsens, be sure to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Keeping yourself well-hydrated and resting can also help your body recover better.
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Follow-Up Communication: If you feel uncertain about your symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your dentist again. Ask specifically about the possible infection in the previously treated tooth, as well as any signs you should watch for.
While it’s natural to feel anxious during this time, understanding your symptoms can empower you to take proactive steps. Keeping communication open with your dentist about your concerns is essential for ensuring appropriate care and peace of mind. Please take care, and let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss!
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