infection in jawline after extraction of tooth

On Sunday, I experienced pain along my jawline and throat. On Tuesday, I went to my dentist. He said my double molar needed a root canal. He prescribed PENICILLIN. I had severe pain and my jaw was swollen on Wednesday and Thursday. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I wasn't able to see my dentist so I went to the emergency room. The hospital prescribed CLINDAMYCIN as the antibiotic and OXYCODONE for the pain. On Friday, I went to my dentist again and he said pulling the tooth was the best option. He did and I have been continuing to take the antibiotics and pain medication. My problem is that it is now Sunday and I am still having to take the pain medication every 3-4 hours and the lump in my jawline has barely gone down which I feel is causing most of the pain that I am experiencing. I've been trying to press on it to see if I can push the infection out somehow, maybe through the space of the missing tooth. What am I doing wrong or what should I do from this point on? Will the anitibiotics that I'm using clear up the infection and if so, how long should it take or do I need to have an incision for the infection to exit? Thanks for your help  

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I can not tell you if you need an I and D without seeing you. If the area is hard it usually indicates that it is not ready to have the incision and drainage.The fact that the tooth was extracted and the antibiotics you are taking should clear up the infection in a few days. If the pain and swelling persists you should definitely see your dentist.

[dee285]

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