What Causes Sudden Swelling Around Wisdom Tooth?

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015

Question: I had sudden swelling around my wisdom tooth and the one next to it. It was hard for me to swallow, swelling on one side of the inside of my throat, and I had trouble opening my mouth wide. It also produced slight muffled hearing on the side of the swelling (right side). The swelling has subsided for 2 days now, but I still have muffled hearing and my gums feel tender every morning. I am just concerned as to what this may be? To note, I also take Zoloft daily, half of a 50mg dosage. I have read this may cause some hearing problems, buzzing, ringing etc. I doubt this is the case in this situation?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs more details to understand better .

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for consulting Healthcare magic .
This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering your query.

I have read your query and understand your concern . As far as swelling in region of wisdom tooth and restricted mouth opening is concerned it can be due to Gum infection , Pericoronitis (partialy erupted wisdom tooth) , Impacted (Mesioangular) wisdom tooth or tooth infection . For proper diagnosis and treatment plan I need more details to help you . I would like to know the following :
- Is your wisdom tooth is partialy erupted ?
- Is there any cavity (decay) in your wisdom tooth or tooth one next to it ?
-Is there any bleeding or discharge from swelling ?
Kindly answer these question so that I can guide you better . If possible upload image of tooth in report section that will be more helpful for me to give you proper diagnosis .

Awating for answers so that i can guide you towards appropriate treatment.

Wishing you good health .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (3 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for your reply. My wisdom tooth is partially out, yes. I don't know if there is any cavities in the tooth, it just happened recently. It is partially impacted but is not touching the other tooth. I try to brush and use mouth wash everyday as well. The one next to it doesn't seem to have any cavities, it is not sensitive to touch, cold or heat. There is no puss or discharge, the swelling subsided within 3 days. The most concern I have us for the muffled hearing. It is very slight, but noticeable. There is also a slight throbbing feeling on the same side on my cheek and lower jaw, if I could gauge from 1-10 for severity, it would be a 1 or 2.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
most likely from dental causes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

I went through the details. And in my opinion, the muffled hearing and throbbing feeling in cheek and lower jaw is mostly due partialy erupted wisdom tooth. Dental problems like tooth abscess and wisdom tooth eruption are possible causes of buzzing , ringing, muffled hearing. And further I feel there is nothing to be worried. This tinnitus will gradually become fainter in a period of month. However if you develop additional symptoms like throat pain or if the tinnitus gets severe, then you should consider visiting oral surgeon or Ent surgeon for clinical examination and evaluatuion.

In the meanwhile for this partially erupted wisdom tooth I will suggest you to do some home remedies : Do warm saline rinses 2 to 3 times a day . Do betadine gargle twice daily and take over the counter antinflamatory pain medication. Try to keep the area around wisdom tooth clean (No food lodgement) .

Hope I have answered your query .
If you have further query I will be happy to help .

Hope I have answered your query .
If you have further query I will be happy to help.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad