so scared about toothache

[Ceci03]

Soooo, I had a tooth out about 3 weeks ago and it's finally settling down. It was a big molar on the bottom right. but... now, the same tooth on the left is aching. it is a broken tooth - I haven't been eating on that side for ages, but had to gently as the right side was 'off-limits' due to extraction. Had some toast this morning, and OMG its aching now so much. Throbbing. Am so scared it will have to come out. I'm so sad. Found it really traumatic getting the other one out - ok it was my first extraction and I felt a real sense of 'loss' and of ageing. Probably silly I know. I'm scared to go to the dentist cos I'm a big wuss, but also in case he says it has to go, that it cant be saved. How will I even eat. Am so tired of soft food - hence the toast this morn... Am scared I'm going to be eating rice pudding and mashed potato forever even though I'm only young-ish. Anyone come 'out the other side' of extractions. Implants seem really expensive....

Don’t panic.

Getting it out will provide you with some relief.

I’ve never had toothache but have had an infection and ruptured sinus after wisdom tooth removal and lord above I’d be shit scared to fell that kind of pain again.🥴 so be kind to yourself and make sure you get to a dentist

If the tooth is broken it is most likely going to need to come out. Is the cause of your tooth extraction/broken tooth something you can prevent happening to other teeth?

I could have written your post as had my first tooth out a few weeks ago and felt the same sort of loss beforehand. Made me feel much older than the late 40's that I am and I even worried that my DH wouldn't fancy me as much!! Turns out loads of people I know have missing teeth and I'd never noticed, which made me feel much better about it.
Just this week a piece has chipped off the same tooth on the opposite side, so I'm expecting that will need removed too but burying my head in the sand as it's not painful yet.
But as yours is painful, you really should go to the dentist. Toothache is awful and can really drag you down, so the alternative will be better in the long run.

one thing I've learnt from experience is that tooth problems don't go away on their own.

If you have a mild UTI or a bad back or any of a multitude of ailments often if you just ignore them over time they will resolve themselves. Tooth problems - never. So no matter how much you don't want to the only option is to go to the dentist.

I had similar in that I had a period of time when I was at the dentist 4 times in 6 months - two root canals, one broken tooth and a filling needed. I was asking the receptionist about a loyalty card. But when I said that to my dentist he was very clear that it wasn't an issue to have so many visits.

It's been broken for a while. It's not really a surprise that it needs to come out

Depending on the extent of the decay it might be saveable with a root canal. But once you leave a tooth long enough to get toothache it's already fairly decayed.

The quicker you get yourself to a dentist, the higher chance you can save it. Toothache doesn't automatically mean extraction, but it does mean that the tooth needs treatment and the only way to get that done is at a dentist

I had my first extraction (I’m late twenties) I was so scared I wet myself slightly I’ve just had a cavity filled on the other side however it now hurts so need a root canal 😫 so two root canals and two more cavities to go. I can’t believe I let myself to get in this state.

I’m afraid the one that was filled might be beyond root canal and will need another extraction.

Don't panic and do go to the dentist. If you don't, it will only get worse.
It is possible that it isn't as bad as you think. Perhaps you can have a root canal and a crown? I had this last summer. It hurt like a bitch for a few days but haven't had any problems since.