I think my back upper left wisdom tooth is infected and throwing off my throat a!

I think my back upper left wisdom tooth is infected and throwing off my throat and ear on the left side, help!

So over a year ago I went into the dentist for a routine check up and they said I didn't need to get my wisdom teeth removed for probably 4-5 years. A month later, my upper left one seemed like it was almost completely grown in. It hasn't hurt or anything so I just kind of ignored it. All of a sudden, I feel like that whole area is getting chewed up and I can barely eat or swallow. The gum area around the tooth is white, but it's been like that for awhile, but now, not only does the back left side of my mouth and throat hurt, but my ear hurts as well. I'm scared that this is badly infected. My main question is, if I need to get this removed, does anyone know what the recovery time could be? I know this is going to sound bad, but I'm supposed to be going to a 4 day music festival in TN in about 3 weeks and i've been looking forward to this for months. If I can get it done beforehand and be ok, I'll do it as soon as possible, but if not I want to wait till after....any advice?

It may be coming in impacted (crooked) which can cause pain and the chewed up you spoke of. It's not pleasant to get an impacted tooth out but the relief will be worth it in a day or 2.