Can anything be done?! Broken tooth

[Spinbaby]

Hi all, posting here for traffic.

I’m 37 weeks pregnant and have ongoing issues with a back tooth. Discovered it was rotten at about 20 weeks and root canal was started at an emergency dental hospital, but me and my dentist agreed to wait until after baby was here to complete the root canal so I could have allllll the pain relief. Big mistake.

Tooth started hurting again literally the night before the dental drill ban came in, so dentist gave me antibiotics which thankfully worked. It’s been a bit tender since but bearable. About a week ago, half the tooth just broke away and fell out. Surprisingly didn’t hurt. Today however the pain has ramped right up, constantly throbbing and I can feel a massive lump under the gum under the tooth, even from outside my cheek, and it really really hurts to touch. Is there anything at all I can do? Especially as pregnant? I’ve been in tears of pain and frustration all day.

I don’t know if it makes any difference but I’m in Scotland.

Thanks for reading!

I'm not in Scotland so not sure about access to dentists but it sounds to me like you've developed an infection/abscess. I had very similar after breaking half my tooth off eating sweets and though it didn't hurt at the time, there was a gap and it got infected and I had similar to you.
I'd try and contact a dentist tomorrow if possible or someone and explain and try and get some antibiotics.
I had to take two lots before the infection cleared so the dentist could deal with the tooth.
So sorry you're in pain - I've found bonjella effective short term for toothache sometimes, if it's suitable for you in pregnancy. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel might help as well as painkillers 💐

I'd phone 111 for advice. Try a saltwater mouthwash, but if it's infected you'll need pain relief. Heartfelt sympathy - bad toothache is hellish.

Thank you both! Paracetamol has a very limited impact on the pain. I don’t even care about saving the tooth now, just want it out.

OP phone your dentist and see what they say. I broke my tooth Thursday evening, phoned my dentist yesterday and they're sending a temporary filling kit out to me.

They were very helpful and seemed set up ready for patients having problems so hopefully yours will be able to help.

OP this might be useful

People in need of urgent dental work are instructed to contact their local practice who will be able to provide advice, reassurance or telephone assessment.

An NHS statement said: “If your dentist confirms that you have an urgent dental need and you have no symptoms of Covid-19, you will be offered an appointment at an urgent dental care centre.

I think extractions are less problematic than fillings at the moment so definitely try to get an appt

dentist on another thread said thats dentists can only do

painkillers, antibiotics & advice.
My dad is on all 3, sounds like they would help you too, OP.

I am expecting to lose at least one tooth due to the crisis, tbh. My own personal price to pay, sigh.

Dentist here. In our area there are urgent treading centres. You can only access if you have had antibiotics (bizarre frankly) from
Your own dentist and a PIN number from them to prove you have tried with them. You then call 111 with the pin. You might get away without the pin at the weekend. You should be seen ASAP before you go to have the baby. Especially with swelling. Unfortunately I think all that the urgent care centres are doing is removing teeth. What area are you in?

Treading? Treatment.

I’ve called 111, and waiting on a call back. It’s definitely infected again, hopefully the antibiotics will work! I totally understand why dentists are closed but it feels absolutely barbaric, and I know I’m not even nearly the worst off. Just wish I had been braver and got the root canal finished at the time! Then I wouldn’t be suffering with a rotten crumbling tooth, while wishing every day of my pregnancy away so I can take stronger painkillers!

I’m in central Scotland Bonzo

My understanding is that Scotland has its shit together regarding urgent dental care compared to England (where I am). Hopefully you’ll get at least some antibiotics today if not an appointment. Good luck.

Scotland here too. You poor thing, there’s nothing worse than toothache. The specific advice in my area is to phone your practice in normal working hours and then 111 outside that. If I were you, I’d phone the practice now and see if they have an out of hours message in case you can use that to bypass 111. If not, hold on for nhs 24 calling you back and then don’t leave that call until you’ve been referred!

Hope you get sorted soon.

Thank you! The dental hospital just called me back and actually offered to pull the tooth, but we’re going to try one last course of antibiotics, that they are sending to a chemist for me within the hour. Pretty decent service! Hope it works but if not then they can just take it out. Fed up with the grief it’s caused me!

My tooth broke last night! I've managed to get a temp filling kit from the chemist. Called 111, who have gave me any emergency telling number to call... Whoever answered the phone on they line was less than helpful, basically there is nothing they can do or suggest other than phoning my own dentist on Monday.

I'm really hoping I can get an emergency appointment on Monday.