Is this normal or possibly an infection?

[nubi_rubi]

Hello!

I am a 26 year old female who got my left side wisdom teeth taken out on thursday. The bottom one was partially impacted.

I'm on penicillin and I also had to take 4 amoxycillin before the surgery. Anyway, I haven't been in much pain following the surgery and I had some swelling but not so bad I think.

My question: I have this whitish looking stuff that growing out of the stitch that is more on my cheek area.
Yesterday it was just a little bit, so I thought maybe I wasn't rinsing well enough, so I did more saltwater rinses. This morning I noticed that white stuff grew more over the stitch. It doesn't hurt that much, and I don't have a fever or anything like that. But, that area (lower cheek, jaw) is the only part that still has any swelling. It feels like a little knot or pocket of stuff in that area. I called the dentist yesterday (before I saw the white stuff) and she said just make sure I keep doing warm compresses which I have.

Could this be normal, or is this possibly an infection?...even though I've been taking the antibiotics and rinsing with salt water? I can't open my mouth that much to brush properly, so maybe that is part of it too.

I actually was on antibiotics since last Thursday (10th) because I had a root canal, so I've been on the antibiotics for bit now, so this makes this even more confusing.

Since the office is closed, I don't know if this serious enough to page the dentist...should I or should I just wait until tomorrow?any ideas on what this could be?

Thanks!!

[nubi_rubi]

Wow, that was superfast! Thank you.

Well then, I think I'll chill out about it, at least until tomorrow. I guess if I had a horrible infection that was eating away at my cheek or jawbone, I'd be in a lot more pain than I am right now, LOL.

The little knot/swelling on my jaw hasn't gotten bigger in the past few days, pretty much stayed the same. The swelling around it has gone down alot though, so it seems pretty good. It's mostly just some numby swelling and stiffness...which I guess is just part of the healing process.

Thanks for your help! If things get worse, I'll definitely call the dentist!

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

The most common sign of an infection aside from swelling is pain.  I wouldn't be so much concerned about how the area "looks" but more about how you "feel."

If either the swelling or pain is not steadily getting better you should call you doctor.  I tell my patients if they are "thinking" that they should call then they definitely should call.  The doctors responsibility to you does not end simply because they are not in the office.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.