Pimples from Dental Work?

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I have a problem. I woke up a few day's ago with a severe neck pain. I went to my chiropractor thinking I threw my neck out.  A few hours after treatment my neck got worse...almost 4 days later I still had the bad neck pain with a few pimples showing on my neck and a small abcess on the other side of my face.  Could this neck pain have been caused by the abcess, even though the tooth didn't show signs of abcess till some four days later?  The area around my neck was very tender -- it almost seemed like the hair hurt ... which is the only way to explain it. I have a very severe fear of dentists and needles. What can I do?
 


It is very difficult to determine what the cause or causes of your neck problems are.  First of all, you need to have dental causes ruled out.  This is only possible if you have a complete head and neck and oral examination to include x-rays.  It is very possible that, if you haven't had a complete dental check up in awhile, you may have some problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible.  Infections involving teeth and/or the tissues around them can cause facial and neck infections, abscesses, etc, due to infections spreading between muscles and through tissue.  These can involve both sides of the face and neck from a single tooth. 

Concerning the 'pimples' on your neck, they may represent a dermatological problem, allergy, a general medical problem or be a sign of a tooth infection.  If you have pain or discomfort involving your teeth or mouth, you should see your dentist to rule out this area as one of the causes of your problem.  After that, you possibly need to see your physician for other possibilities.  I wouldn't let these things go too long, as potentially you could develop a serious infection that may require more extensive care.  

Charles W. Wakefield, DDS
Associate Professor, Director
Advanced Education in General Denitstry Clinic
 

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