What causes severe pain in the neck and ear after wisdom tooth removal?
Patient: I got my 2 lower wisdom teeth pulled 9 days ago from today. I am currently taking antibiotics because the left duct after extraction got infected. The infection seems to be gone but I now have locked jaw, pain in my neck, ears, and it hurts to swallow. Doctor: Hello,Thanks for the query,The symptoms you mention are typical symptoms of dry socket also known as alveolar osteitis that form after tooth extraction due dislodgement  of blood clot from socket . Loss of blood clot occur due to any forceful movement of mouth like rinsing , swishing and sucking.I would suggest you to :-1 Do not rinse your mouth vigorously2 Do not smoke(if you have the habit)3 Do not touch that area with tongue or finger.4 Stick on to cold and soft diet, avoid spicy and hard food stuff.5 Do warm saline rinses gently several times a day .6 Take ibuprofen (if not allergic ) or acetaminophen for pain and swelling.Visit dentist for proper examination . Dentist will clean the socket with betadine regularly for 3-4 days .Wishing you a good health.Thank youDr Harry Maheshwari