Do I go see a dentist or a doctor for this problem...?

Question

I never had my upper-right wisdom tooth removed, even though it came out facing out at my cheek, since it usually never gives me any trouble. Well, somehow, a big gash formed way back there on my cheek, and I think my salivary glands have become infected because I feel a lot of pain under my jaw, quite a ways away from the sore itself, and it hurts to swallow. Is this a problem for a dentist or a doctor? Emergency room, Primary Care Physician, or Endocrinologist? And does anyone have any insight or suggestions for me? It hurrrts! Thanks!

I have State Employee insurance, so no matter what I do I won't have to pay anything. And it's not an infected tooth, it's a cut that was caused by the misaligned tooth. =o/ ow!

Answer 1

I would see a dentist. Chances are if it IS from your tooth, if you see a doctor he'll tell you to see a dentist for the problem. He'll probably help you for sure, but the main problem (if it's caused by this tooth) will need to be dealt with by the dentist.

I would see a dentist simply because it's dealing with your teeth and mouth. He'll have prescriptions for you to use to help with the pain and probably a topical treatment to put on the sore itself. Plus, if there IS an infection, he'll have the equipment right there to help you, rather than a doctor who would more than likely send you on for an x-ray or something. I would steer away from ER because it's far too expensive! PCP is up to you, but I tend to not trust anyone in those emergency medical clinics - I've been misdiagnosed so many times it isn't even funny.

Check out your dentist, he should be able to help! As far as any suggestions, just take some tylenol and motrin interchangeably every 4-8 hours to try and relieve some of the pain. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well I suggest calling your dentist so he can prescribe a antibiotic. It sounds like you may have an infection or ma by an abscess. in the mean time try gargling with a little peroxide and water mixed or what also works really well to take the pain away is Listerine the brand name stuff not generic that's what I use when I have mouth pain. Good luck oh hey did you get any money from the tooth fairy when they pulled that tooth? (just kidding)

Answer 3

I worked in a dental office for three years and I heard the dentist talking to patients about wisdom teeth many times. You should go to the dentist ASAP. Infected wisdom teeth should never be left without seeing a proffessional. If there is pain and swelling then they are most likely infected and in rare cases, infected wisdom teeth can be fatal (rare as I said). But, you should see a dentist for sure and he will be able to provide you with the treatment you need. Or at least advise you as to the correct treatment.

Answer 4

A dentist that performs oral surgery seems best for this. However, you might want to call your local county Health Dept. and ask them what they recommend. They also may know good dentists/oral surgeons who specialize in this type of problem. Good luck. Hope you feel better very soon.

Answer 5

Go to the dentist, who will then refer you to an Oral Surgeon.
Get that taken care of quickly too. Infections inside the mouth are not be taken lightly.

Answer 6

At this point I think you should seek medical advice from whomever will see you first. I doubt that it is an endocrinological problem though. See your primary care physician first, them maybe he will send you on to a dental surgeon.

Answer 7

Go see a dentist. If you need further care they will refer you to the appropriate health care professional.

Answer 8

It is friday night, go to an emergency room. If it is infected they can get you a prescription for antibiotics.

If it is not infected, they will send you to the appropriate place.

Answer 9

This is a dental problem go see a dentist.

Answer 10

I would go to your doctor first. Call them and explain the problem