Jaw Pain and Swelling: When to See a Dentist - Dentistry

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Jaw pain and swelling can be concerning symptoms, especially when they arise suddenly and are accompanied by other signs such as fever. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain in the right side of your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, and noticeable swelling in that area. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying issues, and it's important to understand when to seek further dental or medical care.


Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Wisdom Tooth Infection: As your dentist suggested, inflammation or infection around the wisdom teeth (third molars) is a common cause of jaw pain and swelling. Even if you do not feel pain directly in the area of the wisdom tooth, the surrounding tissues can become inflamed, leading to discomfort and swelling. The fever you are experiencing could be a sign that the body is fighting off an infection.

2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Pain in the jaw joint, especially when opening the mouth or chewing, can also be related to TMJ disorders. These conditions can cause pain in the jaw, difficulty with jaw movement, and swelling. Stress, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching can exacerbate these issues.

3. Dental Abscess: An infection in the tooth or gums can lead to the formation of an abscess, which can cause localized swelling and pain. This could also lead to systemic symptoms like fever if the infection spreads.

4. Sinus Infection: Sometimes, sinus infections can cause referred pain to the jaw area, particularly if the upper teeth are involved. Swelling and pain can occur, and fever may be present as well.

5. Other Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) or other systemic infections can also lead to swelling and pain in the facial region.


When to See a Dentist or Doctor
Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for five days, and especially since you have developed a fever, it is advisable to seek further evaluation. Here are some guidelines on when to see a dentist or doctor:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen over a few days, it is important to follow up with your dentist or seek a second opinion.
- Fever: A fever can indicate an infection that may require more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics or drainage of an abscess.

- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: If you experience any difficulty in breathing or swallowing, this is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate care.

- Severe Pain: If the pain becomes severe and unmanageable, it is essential to seek help.

- Swelling Spreading: If the swelling increases or spreads, this could indicate a more serious infection that needs to be addressed.


Recommended Actions
1. Follow-Up with Your Dentist: Since your dentist has already prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, it’s important to follow up with them, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen.

2. Consider Seeing an Oral Surgeon: If your dentist suspects that the wisdom tooth is the source of the problem, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation and potential extraction.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in pain, swelling, or fever, and report these to your healthcare provider.

4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest to help your body recover.

In conclusion, while your initial visit to the dentist is a good first step, it is crucial to remain vigilant about your symptoms and seek further care if necessary. Your health and comfort are paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications.