I have had severe pain in my lower right wisdom tooth for one week. There is a hollow sensation in the lower jaw on the right side, along with pain radiating to my right ear. I have been taking amoxicillin-clavulanate (625 mg) and diclofenac for two days. What further treatment or tests are needed?
Severe pain in a lower wisdom tooth with a hollow feeling and pain spreading to the ear is most commonly due to infection around a partially erupted tooth, tooth decay, or a deep infection affecting the nerve, and antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate may give temporary relief but usually do not cure the underlying problem. The most important next step is to visit a dentist for a proper examination and an X-ray (such as an OPG) to check the position of the wisdom tooth and the extent of infection. Based on the findings, treatment may include cleaning the area, drainage of any pus, or removal (extraction) of the wisdom tooth if it is impacted or repeatedly infected; root canal treatment may be needed if a nearby tooth is involved. Continue pain relief as advised, maintain good oral hygiene with warm saltwater rinses, and avoid chewing on that side, but do not delay dental evaluation, especially if swelling, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth develops.