Infected wisdom tooth=sore throat and swollen lymph glands?

Ever since my wisdom tooth got infected two weeks ago I have had a sore throat that has not gone away. I also have what appears to be a very slight bulge (swollen lymph node?) on my neck on the same side as my wisdom tooth infection...the bulge feels hard and painless, and can be mistaken for a muscle but I'm not sure because I don't know what lymph nodes are supposed to feel like. A week ago I went to the dentist and got screened for oral cancer. They took x-rays and the dentist said I was fine. I鈥檓 starting to get worried though, as the sore throat is persistent. I鈥檓 hoping that it鈥檚 due to the infected wisdom tooth (which I plan on getting removed upon clearance of infection). The reason I鈥檓 so concerned is that I鈥檝e been a one-pack-a-day smoker for the past four years, but I completely quit two months ago. Also, I鈥檓 relatively young (22 years old). I plan on going to see a doctor next week, but I鈥檓 still freaking out. Could this be serious (i.e. throat cancer or HIV)?

if you have an infection go to your doctor or dentist, you may need antibiotics to clear it up.
that bulge on your neck could be a swollen gland, i doubt it's a muscle.
i really don't think it's hiv or cancer, it's very possible that all your problems are stemming from that infected tooth. definitely get that taken care of asap because the infection could become more serious if it enters your bloodstream.
i hope you get it all cleared up!

More than likely it is a swollen lymph gland on your neck.. it is swollen because you have the infected tooth... did the doc put you on antibiotics?? when my wisdom tooth became infected, i had a sore tongue, sore throat, and sore jaw.... I wouldn't freak out since you are going back to see the doc... if it gets worse, you need to get to the doctor sooner.. in the meantime relax, you quit smoking, that was the best thing you could have ever done for yourself.... Good luck!

i can't believe this question! i'm going through the same EXACT thing. i just quit smoking a few weeks ago (i'm in my 20's and am a 1 1/2-2 packs a day smoker). i had this lump near my throat, sore throat, wisdom tooth pain all on my left side. so i finally went to a doctor. she told me that i had a slight sinus infection ( and i would never have known!), which my smoking could have triggered and that was causing slight post-nasal drip down my throat, irritating my lymph node. my point is, your teeth, throat, nose, etc...they are all so strongly linked to each other and when you have a problem in one area, it will most likely start affecting something else. so, congratulations on quitting smoking, get your tooth checked out, and ask if you could possibly have a sinus infection. just get everything checked out one by one because you're too young to have all these problems! good luck to you!
ps- i wouldn't worry about it being cancer or HIV.