What can dentists do re: antibiotics?

[DashboardConfessional]

I had a filling last Tuesday and it's hurt (understatement) ever since. I was given penicillin on Friday so I've had 3 and a bit days worth - it is absolutely worse. I can't eat or drink this morning, the pain is all along to the back of my jaw, and the heat from the shower made me sob. Codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen haven't touched it.

I'm pretty sure I need a root canal (or extraction, don't care which) and I've managed an emergency appt at 10 today but I'm she said she'll not be able to do much while on the penicillin. Do I have to accept this? I can't go on for a week like this with no food.

She's not a very good dentist so just wanted to check what is normal and what is her fobbing me off. (I'll be changing dentist after this).

If you needed penicillin it sounds like you have an infected nerve which requires a root canal asap. Pain like that is not normal after a filling, sensitivity, yes, but not agonising pain. Phone your dentist today. They should have emergency appointments for today or phone 111 and they can sort you out with emergency care, but your dentist should be your first port of call. They have a duty of care and can’t leave you in bad pain and with the risk of infection spreading. Good luck OP

I’ve no idea what the reasoning about not being able to do anything while on penicillin is? I just had extractions and implants last week and was given a loading dose right before.

Sorry just saw you have an appointment. Your dentist needs to X-ray your teeth to check the nerve isn’t infected and check for swelling elsewhere. You shouldn’t be in that amount of pain after a filling and your dentist should know that. Something is amiss and it’s their job to find out what.

Thank you so much. I just wanted a bit of reassurance that I am within my rights to demand someone does something about it!

The filling was to replace a failed filling in April. I've no idea why she swapped it to a white filling instead of just doing the root canal.

I am NHS and was told my dentist "only works Fridays" yet she was magically available today when I cried down the phone. I'll be going private elsewhere after this!

The tooth is gone! I'm so relieved, if a bit drooly...