tooth infection

[kay710]

Hello, I had my impacted tooth removed 3 days ago and now the area is white and it still hurts. my gum is swollen and i can barely open my mouth. the doctor prescribed me antibiotics the day he extracted the tooth. Should i wait and finish the antibiotics or should i go see the dentist.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You may have some difficult opening and closing due to the trauma of the extraction to your jaw/TMJ area.  Try putting some heat packs on it and stretch it out gently and treat it like a muscle injury.  Try to eat softer foods to alleviate the stress on the muscle as well.  Take the pain medication.  I would call your dentist and let them know.  They may prescribe some anti-inflammatories to help with the swelling and pain.  

[JDS2805]

I would go back to the dentist- there is a chance you could have a dry socket... If so, the dentist can pack the site with some medicated gauze. If you were given some pain medicine, I would take it- if not I would get some ibuprofen(no Tylenol because that will thin your blood). I've had dry sockets and they hurt. Hope you feel better soon