Hi doctor, I have Pericoronitis (swelling and pain behind the wisdom tooth). I went to the dentist yesterday and he cleaned my mouth and gave me antibiotics (Penicillin V) and Ibuprofen 600. I have been taking the antibiotics for two days now and I do not feel an improvement. Is this normal? How long does it normally take until it starts getting better? Should I go back to my dentist tomorrow? I take Ibuprofen but it only lasts for two to three hours. I am also using Chlorhexamed forte.
Hello,  Welcome to ChatDoctor.  I understand your concern. The loosely attached swollen gums over the wisdom tooth is called as pericoronitis. The age of eruption of wisdom teeth is from 17 to 21 years. Beyond that, if the wisdom tooth has not erupted or half erupted gives out pain or swelling, it is highly likely to be locked inside the jaw.  Since they are the last ones to erupt, most of them do not get enough space to erupt and tries anyways and this causes jaw pain, swelling and sometimes the surrounding structures like same side temple, ear and throat also gives out pain. This wisdom tooth is called an impacted tooth. During the first visit, antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed. The swelling will come down eventually but if that is impacted, it may not come down. Please visit your dentist and get an x-ray of your wisdom tooth to check whether there is enough space for it to erupt and to check whether it is erupting in the right direction. Taking painkillers and antibiotics will help to control pain and swelling but if the tooth is impacted, this will not be a permanent solution. You may require wisdom tooth removal.  I hope this helps. 