Headache, Stiff Neck, Back Pain, Fever. Had Wisdom Teeth Removed. Taking Amoxicillin And Ibuprofen. Is It Normal?

Posted on Thu, 2 May 2013

Question: Hello. My 18 year old daughter removed 2 wisdom teeth tuesday and today she's complaining about a headache, stiff neck and lower back pain plus she has a fever. She's on Amoxicillin and ibuprofen. Not sure if I should take her to the hospital or if this is common with these extractions. She was fine before this.

Answered by Dr. Qazi Ammara (20 minutes later)

Hello,

Welcome to XXXXXXX forum,

I would like to tell you that wisdom tooth extraction is not a simple extraction, it is somewhat complicated surgical procedure and there are many post extraction effects like pain, swelling, prolonged numbness, difficulty in mouth opening, fever, malaise.

These symptoms will subside in a few days.

As these are normal after wisdom tooth extraction, there is no real need to take her to the hospital yet. She can take paracetamol for fever and headache. Follow the post extraction instructions given by the Dentist properly such as:
-Take complete course of antibiotics and analgesic,
-Tell her to relax and take complete rest.
-Take lukewarm saline gargles 3-4 times a day to give a soothing effect.
-Use antiseptic mouthwash gargles like chlorhexidine or betadine, twice daily this
will prevent infection and promote healing of the socket.
-Maintain a good oral hygiene.

If the symptoms are worsens or persists for days, you can consider a follow up with her treating doctor.

Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Wishing you good health!

Regards

Dr Qazi Ammara.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad