I have an infection in the tooth I had extracted 8 weeks ago, I no longer have an NHS dentist help?

[DentalPainHelp]

Posting for traffic

Phoned 111 who said they’d call me back within 48 hours.

I cannot take any of the over the counter painkillers due to a heart problem, mouthwash is easing the pain enough along with anbesol but it’s getting worse everytime they wear off.

My NHS dentist sent me a letter the day after they took my tooth out to say that they were no longer offering NHS treatment and I could register as a private patient if I wanted to but it’s £25 a month I don’t have – single parent, I work but get UC top up as my DC is on DLA so I can't work fulltime.

I am on the waiting list for two other local dentists who take NHS but their lists are 3+ years long, they won’t see me for an emergency without being registered. 111 said no dental hospital nearby.

I am ok, but bracing myself for another night of no sleep (I can’t get comfy).

Any ideas to ease my pain without painkillers until 111 get back to me?

My dh went to a hospital that had a dental A+E clinic, Google them, might be one near you. It was a dental dept in hospital that did walk in emergencies. He had dry socket, was in agony, they washed it out and gave him anti-bs and painkillers. Normal painkillers aren’t strong enough.

I would go for gargling in salt water then s blob of Bonjela to numb the pain.

Could it be dry socket if the tooth was pulled 8 weeks ago? I thought it only happened within a few days of extraction?
Most likely they left a bit of the root in which has become irritated and possibly infected. Did they tell you this? Seems suspicious they tooth you off the books the following day.

I had an emergency tooth out a few weeks ago and 2 of the roots wouldn't come out and I have been told, they should come out themselves but if not I will need surgery to remove them. But they did advise it would cause pain if they didn't come out themselves.

If you have an infection from the extraction then they need to see you as part of the treatment. Failing that do as SQLserved has said.

Just came in to recommend Orajel Extra Strength Dental Gel. Red box. Sold at Tesco and Boots and likely other supermarkets. It really works. Also, my dentist recommended Corsodyl Mouthwash and I use that all the time now, and buy it from Asda (the non-alcohol version doesn't sting as much as alcohol version). The Orajel is clear and only a little is needed, gently rubbed into the inner and outer gum(s) of the tooth that is bothering you. A combination of using this, the Corsodyl and OTC painkillers really helped me - I appreciate you can't use the painkillers due to your heart condition, but maybe the Orajel and Corsodyl will help you? I really hope so.

It is NOT a dry socket. As TOADfan said they only happen within days of the extraction. After 8 weeks I would’ve expected the socket to have healed. If you can’t bite down I’d be thinking it’s an abscess under another tooth.

Unless the wound is open I think you have an abcess underneath I think someone has recommended clove oil tastes like shit but numbs it if it's worse when your sleeping you might be clenching in your sleep I ended up with a flannel in my mouth at one point because of this

Revisit the dentist who removed the tooth, they have been paid to do a job so they need to deal with any related issues. In the meantime get some Corsodyl mouthwash (or own brand equivalent).

I have a similar issue, though I'm waiting on surgery for it which has been a farce in itself

My ex military dad gave me a manoeuvres tip that has been getting me through when the infection flares up & works surprisingly well.

Heat brandy, rum or whiskey & soak a cotton pad in it & wrap it around the tooth as hot as you can bare & leave for a minute. This draws infection to the surface & reduces pressure on nerves & eases pain. Usually it will burst the abscess & clean it too

Oh & your GP can help with antibiotics etc

Slight update:

111 called me back and made an appointment at the dental department place for Monday. Been prescribed a painkiller I can take with my heart so will go and pick that up along with some corsadyl this morning.

I slept a bit was better propped up. Will update Monday with diagnosis and treatment.

Thank you all!

IME once they get the bit of root out it will start to clear up really quickly, so good luck with your appointment.

Glad you’ve got some support hope it gets sorted for you soon

This is the responsibility of the dentist that did the original extraction. They can't just take the tooth out, say "bye the way, I'm done with you now unless you pay more money" then refuse to treat the consequences of his original treatment ( not the dentist's fault).
I would say that this falls into the category of the same course of treatment that you have had recently on the NHS.

Plus, I believe that you have to give three months notice to change to private.

I'm a dentist By the way. And I wouldn't charge you privately for this, even if I was doing a private conversion

@DentalPainHelp how are you doing?