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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Severe Swelling In The Cheeks After Tooth Extraction Be Given Immediate Medical Attention?

My dentist recently pulled 2 of my teeth, one on the lower right and one on the upper left, which were scheduled to be pulled late last year but had to be rescheduled due to the development of blood clots in both of my lungs. Yesterday, I had to re-visit my dentist due to severe pain in several teeth above the extraction area (one extraction resulted in complications due to excessive blood loss... I'm on blood thinners due to the clots). He suggested another extraction or a root canal and prescribed 500mg of Penicillin for an antibiotic and subsequent pain relief. This evening, swelling and pain have both increased and have moved up into my cheek, just below my right eye. The swelling is noticeable and the area is hard to the touch. Should the Penicillin (taken 4x a day) be kicking in by now or should I consider immediate emergency care?
Thu, 24 May 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Penicillin is an antibiotic and can take time to act as it works. By reducing infection which in turn will gradually reduce pain. But it can take at least 3-4 days for pain to get relieved.

For instant pain reduction you need painkillers so for this you should consult your Dentist/Physician or an Emergency room so that pain management can be done using painkillers.

Also if your treating Physician gives you consent and assurance and proper fitness then you should proceed for treatment like you should get root canal treatment done so that the pain will also subside and also the tooth will be saved.

It will be better to consult an Endodontist and get evaluated for root canal treatment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Should Severe Swelling In The Cheeks After Tooth Extraction Be Given Immediate Medical Attention?

Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Penicillin is an antibiotic and can take time to act as it works. By reducing infection which in turn will gradually reduce pain. But it can take at least 3-4 days for pain to get relieved. For instant pain reduction you need painkillers so for this you should consult your Dentist/Physician or an Emergency room so that pain management can be done using painkillers. Also if your treating Physician gives you consent and assurance and proper fitness then you should proceed for treatment like you should get root canal treatment done so that the pain will also subside and also the tooth will be saved. It will be better to consult an Endodontist and get evaluated for root canal treatment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.