swollen face

[Shakila]

Hi

Over the last day or so my face has suddenly started to swell up on the right side and I am now left with a large swelling near the back of my bottom jaw. I have tried different pain killers but the pain is getting worst and worst as the day is going on and I am worried that its going to get even worst by night time. I am surprised at how quickly this swelling has come up and would like to know if there is any thing that can be done? I think this swelling is caused by my wisdom tooth which my dentist told me a few months ago, needs to be removed but as it was not hurting, I left it as it was for the last few months. However will I now need antibiotics or does the wisdom tooth need to be removed?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

A swollen face caused by infection can become very dangerous quickly and should not be ignored. You need to see an emergency dentist urgently and they will have to assess the cause of this swelling. You may need high dose antibiotics and drainage of pus if needed +/- extraction of the offending tooth.