Toothache

[imamumgetmeoutofhere]

Hello.

Posting here as more traffic than health.

I had a top molar second from back filled around 10 years or so. Then 18 months ago the corner cracked and broke off. Dentist removed filling, filed all the damaged bits away where it had cracked and built it back up.

Roll on to today. The tooth has been aching on and off for around 6 months though an X-ray at my checkup 4 1/2 months ago didn't show any problems.

Last few days it's been really throbbing and hurting. Cold and hot food and drink makes it pulse and biting down on certain food is not good. Paracetamol and ibuprofen alternated takes the edge off but still uncomfortable even then. I'm due a check up in 6 weeks and apparently they can't see me before then.

I honestly don't know what to do other than insist they see me.

Also worried about potential treatment as I'm scared about the dentist. From what ive read it's likely to be either a root canal or (more likely) extraction seeing as I've already had it filled and then fixed when it broke.

Both options terrify me. I'm so scared of pain or the risks with bleeding, recovery time etc.

Is either treatment more likely or can I ask for one over the other?

Any advise how to ease the anxiety?

Thank you

Just want to add the tooth is also grey on another corner too, though I guess this could be discolouration from the filling

It may have a crack in it if it's painful to bite on a particular spot or if the whole tooth hurts to bite down it's an inflammed nerve.
Painkillers for now; ibuprofen and paracetamol taken alternately will help ease it. Give your dental practice a call first thing Monday and tell them your symptoms. They will need to see you for an emergency appointment rather than a check up.
It is likely to be root canal treatment or extraction, you are right. I had a tooth out a couple of years ago that had a crack and quite frankly the relief at gaving got rid of it was amazing, as it had been so painful.
Mouths heal quickly so recovery time for either treatment shouldn't be too much of a thing for you to worry about. Your decision about what you prefer will depend on what the cause of your pain is and whether the tooth is likley to respond well to treatment. Cracked teeth especially can be difficult to settle down as the cracks sometimes run into the root.

I'd also say that often people's anxiety about what they need doing is disproportionate to the reality. I am not talking about those with phobias.
Root canal treatment once a tooth is completely numb is very boring, I can see people's eyes glazing over, as it's a long appointment.
Most extractions are pretty quick but do involve lots of pressure and wobbling but again with anaesthetic pain free.
Talk to your dentist about your worries and why you think you'd prefer one treatment over the other. If they can save the tooth they will usuallly prefer to do this but the final choice is yours and what you want.

I had terrible anxiety about the dentist after a horrible experience.
I went private in the end, I pay monthly so it's not so bad. The time and care they spend with you is worth it in my opinion. There is no way you would have to put up with tooth ache for 6 weeks they would have you in tomorrow.
Regards to extraction and root canal I have had both. Neither are painful the root takes a while so your jaw aches. Extraction is just a bit weird and uncomfy.
Go private if you can afford it, 6 weeks with tooth ache sounds really miserable.

You need to call your dentist on Monday and insist on an emergency appointment. It's their responsibility to provide you with emergency dental care and manage your dental pain

It will depend on the condition of your tooth but generally or is your choice what root you go down, whether root canal or extraction.

Thank you, I'll be phoning them on Monday!

Where I've already had 2 treatments on the tooth I'd probably lean towards extraction, mostly because I've heard root canals may not always be successful and I'd then have to spend out again and I can't really afford too much treatment.

If they really can't see me I'll go private and put it on my credit card

I had a root canal recently, it honestly was absolutely fine. At the second appt the worst bit was I was ready to fall asleep!