Infection after wisdom tooth extraction

[Hannika]

Hi

I had 3 wisdom teeth out a month ago, although all went fine the one on the bottom right has caused a bit of problems.  It never really felt healed and now my face has gradually been swelling back up and is still increasing.  My right cheek is very sore and is infected.  My dentist has finally given me antibiotics to take (yesterday)  but is there anything I can do to reduce the swelling more quickly?  The pain is quite intense and so I'm taking regular pain medications but they aren't hugely effective.

I really want to know I might start to feel better.

Thanks so much.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Hi Hannika,

Unfortunately it takes a few days for the antibiotics to fully start working.  The antibiotics should help with the infection and reduce the swelling.  If it doesn't, the dentist can actually numb you and drain out the infection but I would wait for the antibiotics to work.  Try putting an ice pack on the area to help numb it

[Hannika]

Thank you!

My face feels so strange and it has been worrying me, I think I'm just exhausted by it all. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon.

Best wishes.