I could cry - my bloody teeth

[Thehouseisatip]

Last night I started with toothache it was an intense throbbing and I knew something wasn't right. I managed to get some sleep and when I woke the pain was not so bad. My dentist is open today and I managed to get an appointment.
I've got an infection in a tooth that has previously had a root canal.

I've been prescribed anti biotics and I'm to go back next week for either, an extraction or root canal. Unfortunately I'm private and the cost of root canal is extortionate. Dentist did say antibiotics might work and I could leave it but infection is likely to return.

I could cry I am really dentist phobic and the thought of having my tooth extracted is freaking me out. It's a lower pre molar. I'm getting intermittent pain today and I've not needed painkillers until now all day. I've had upper molars removed that weren't too bad when being extracted.

I am gutted - about 8 years ago I got an abscess around the same time after Christmas and here I am again.

I would, the UK has the most expensive dental costs in Europe, with an dental industry that has run a successful campaign to convince us all that going abroad for treatment is a death sentence.

200k Brits go each year for dental treatment in Turkey, with even more going to Poland and Hungary...

I don't either but only because I'm so petrified. It's taken me years to be able to go to the dentists and build up trust with them. The thought of going anywhere new freaks me out, even if it's in this country.

I'm trying to keep up with the salty rinses. I think tonight it feels a bit better so hopefully the antibiotics are starting to kick in and the rinses are helping.

So I'm worrying now..Im on day three of metro and my face is swelling slightly on the tooth side..is this bad? PANIC!

I started the Amoxicillin on Friday and the pain is bearable but I'm swelling too where the infection is.

@Intheoldendays @Thehouseisatip

In the past, I've had slight swellings along my jaw with my failed lower molar RC that have gone away. But I'd still keep a really close eye on it.

I hope the pain is improving for you both at least?

I'm only really getting pain when I lay down in bed - I am trying to sleep with my head raised. When I eat it tends to start the throbbing again and unfortunately I didn't realise how much I clench and that's definitely setting it off.

I'm only taking Paracetamol and don't need them every 4 hours just as and when. I've probably taken it twice a day max since it started.

Well, I've had two calls from 111 - massive panic head I am!! One was a dental nurse, and she said it can happen but to see my dentist tomorrow anyway.

The pain is minimal now thank God but I'm still flapping to have this new swelling.

Bloody bloody bloody bloody teeth

New panic.....could it burst? I've had this before on an infected tummy wound and it was awful.

Warm drinks made my toothache worse. Regular lukewarm salt water rinses helped

In the past when I've had abscesses they have burst themselves. They taste utterly rank. I'm considering giving mine a call tomorrow but I think I should be able to hold on til Friday when I'm due extraction.

You poor thing. It’s horrible. I had exactly the same thing, root canal that lasted about 15 years. I had the tooth out, lower molar. The extraction was so quick I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t realise it had happened until it was out. Mine was a bit complex as the tooth had broken. So I’m sure your extraction would be just as quick and easy if not more so.

My general health improved once it was out, it amazed me but the low level infection had likely been there a while before it got worse.

so hang in there and probably just have it out, then all the worry and anticipation will be done with.

Good luck

I must say I'm glad to not be alone on this. I'm so pissed off that this has happened at this time of year. The only bonus is I haven't drank no where near as much alcohol or eaten as much crap as usual.

So (sorry!) If it did all burst- would I need to dash off to a and e?

I didn't call anyone - I think mine happened on an evening. I felt immense relief when it burst it's just the taste from it that's the worst.

The real issue is that the Tories never funded NHS Dentistry and Labour aren't going to either.

So issues with dental pain and loss of teeth will continue.

I was too scared to go when this happened to me. I took so many painkillers it's a wonder I didn't end up with kidney failure and stuck it out until a fistula opened up on my gum and the infection drained. That was 10 years ago and it is technically still infected, you can see it on x rays but it doesn't bother me anymore. I'd take antibiotics and see, personally.

Same as you, petrified of going to the dentist, and failing, ancient root canal. My dentist knows extraction is the absolute last option. I have an infection about twice a year and just ring and say me again, can I pick up a prescription please. Clove oil works well with the pain while the antibiotics do their magic. Tastes absolutely vile, but works x x x

I dont think the antibiotics are going to clear this infection. I'm still getting intermittent pain, it's very sore to touch the area as well still.

I'm so fed up. I was looking forward to a drink on NYE but I doubt that will happen now. I finish the antibiotics on NYE but I'm guessing I'll still be in pain needing to take Paracetamol.

When I had my last abscess on a wisdom tooth it took the whole course of antibiotics for them to work ! Was thinking they wasn’t going to do the trick before they finished so you still have some hope x

You never know! If you started Friday, like me, you have a couple more days. My swelling has gone down a bit, but I'm still going to call my dentist tomorrow. Pain is very low now, thank god (and painkillers!)
I'm just going to demand extraction..

Fingers crossed. To be honest I'm ready for a large G&T! That's one thing this has stopped me from drinking like a fish because it is Christmas!!

So the pain woke me at 5, which hadn't happened since the medication started and I have a look of a lop sided bugs bunny still...so off back to dentist this morning.
It's making me so depressed as much as anything

Oh poor you! I hope you get on ok, let me know how it goes?

I've woken up swollen but that's happening every time I lay down, once I've woken up the swelling goes down after being upright. Pain is not so bad, it's been every 12 hours or so that I've needed paracetamol son gf ar.

Just got back. He said it was a sign the infection is moving 😣and not to worry unless it gets bigger. I was, at this point, glancing at dh (who has to accompany me everywhere medical - he has taken the 'in sickness' to the extreme since we've been married - I have a few medical issues!) saying 'IS IT BIGGER????? and he was shaking his head....

Anyway, I have to finish my current anti b's and he's done me another lot - erythromycin this time (I'm allergic to penicillin) to take if I still feel any pain after the others have finished.

Poor dentist!

How are you today?