Can painful gums and restricted jaw movements during wisdom tooth eruption indicate an abscess or infection?
Patient: My wisdom tooth on my right side has been coming in for some time now.  No problems. All of a sudden my cheek/gums started to hurt.  Now it seems I might have an abscess..? And my jaw won't open all the way... maybe infection? I dont know what to do.. go to dr or what. I have no insurance... any advise would help alot!! Doctor: Hi,I have gone through your query.Eruption of wisdom tooth cause severe pain and inflammation.As it comes out, it tears the overlying gum tissue, resulting in inflammation with pain and restricted jaw movement. There are chances that it might get infected.I advise you gargle 3-4 times daily with chlorhexidine solution and take NSAIDs like ibuprofen.If still you have severe pain, i advise you to visit a Dentist. He may look for any sign of infection and if not, overlying gum will be cauterized with acid to relieve pain.Do consider a positive feedback as a credit to my work. Let me know if you have any further questions.