Hi Pamster,
Yes, your description does sound like a tooth infection that has spread to the jawbone. FYI.......Once the cheek becomes swollen, it is not a good idea to put off treatment because that is an indication that the area is overwhelmed by inflammation. Lower teeth in the back of the mouth can swell internally closing off the airway. I blurt that out to let you know that this may be more urgent than you realize.
Please if at all possible, do not wait to see an oral surgeon. Initially you may be put on antibiotics to reduce some of the inflammation and then within a few days the tooth would be removed. If the swelling gets too large or too extensive, then the surgeon may have to make an incision to drain the infection, put you on antibiotics for a few days and then remove the tooth. This double surgical scenerio is most avoidable if you do not wait to get treatment.
I'm sorry you are enduring this :-(( Please let us know how you are doing!
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pamster
Hi, I am just curious to know if this means I have an infected tooth? One of them on that side has a cavaty where some of the decayed tooth has broken away, the little bit between the cavaty and the next tooth in line, so it won't be an easy fill IMO, because it's between teeth. :P
The swelling started about a week ago and it feels like that part was hit by novacaine and the novacain has worn almost off, like its partially numb in the cheek and wall of my mouth and the gum from this tooth back about two teeth long. It's hurting a little bit, but I am taking motrin for it. Mostly it's just annoying. 
What is going on from what I described? Is it infected? I have an appointment to have it yanked in a few weeks but I know they won't yank an infected tooth, so what should I do? Any advice appreciated. Thank you in advance.  |