As an additional update: the incision reopened a little somehow (I think it was completely closed) and a lot of blood and pus came out so I guess it's still infected which may explain the pain. I've cleaned with salt water rinses until nothing continued to leak out. I have an appointment with my GP in the morning and the oral surgeon Friday morning so hopefully this isn't a setback in healing.

snowclover,

The incision opened most likely from the pressure caused by the inflammation and infection. Obviously you still have an infection. Releasing the blood and pus will bring some relief. But it may only be temporary. The infection that developed in the jaw bone after the extraction, which could be correlated with the original infection from the tooth... had time to advance because it was not treated early on after the extraction. So the infection may be fairly deep which means you may get some noticeable filling up and draining several times. The problem with a draining oral infection is that as long as there is an opening it will tend to drain more than you are even aware of. This means that you are digesting the bacteria... so that could be one reason why you are feeling so poorly. However, to close up a draining infection could result in more severe problems. So that would not wise to do if in fact it is still draining.

Also, the antibiotic may not be the proper one for this infection. The only way to have known which specific antibiotic to prescribe would have been for the oral surgeon to take a swab of the pus at the time of the I&D and have it cultured. Once on the antibiotic, the culture may be a bit skewed.

It is good that you see your physician so that he has this on record for you, However, he is not going to know how to treat you for this oral infection. He is not educated in dental issues at all. Even those infections that have become a systemic problem. The oral surgeon needs to take this infection seriously and explain to you what is going on and how he plans on taking care of it. Tell him how awful you have been feeling. Leave out NO details.

Keep rinsing with the warm salt water. Also apply moist heat to the outside of your face a few times a day to get the blood flowing in that area.

Please let us know how things go tomorrow.
Bryanna

I am back with the first happy update since February! The oral surgeon gave me a final 10 course of antibiotics as well as a surgical grade mouth wash. The pain is almost gone, it still can get sore if I move my mouth in a way that's uncomfortable for the considerable scar tissue. The ear and jaw pain is gone. My energy is back to normal, and now that I'm here it's easier to see just how very sick I was. I could barely get to work. Pictures of me since February look pale, sunken and very ill. I'm so grateful to have this behind me (knocks on wood).

Bryanna- Thanks for all of your encouragement and advice!! ((Hugs))

Lessons learned:
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!! IF you feel really sick, you probably are! Demand tests, labs and X-rays before you allow someone to dismiss your concerns!

Thank you again!