Tooth infection with swollen face - on antibiotics

[ajandjjmum]

Ds needs a root canal filling, and (sod's law) on the day he was due to have it done, he developed toothache in that tooth. He told the dentist but she proceeded to start the treatment. However, she found infection so couldn't continue and simply replaced with a temporary filling - although she had put some antibiotic directly on to the site of the infection.

The next day (Thursday) DS's face was swollen on the one side, so we sent him back to the dentist, who gave him two lots of oral antibiotics, which he has been taking since then (ie. now on Day 4). The swelling seems worse that ever today, and you can feel like an abcess in his cheek. His temperature is fine.

He doesn't feel full of life, but is generally ok. Is currently getting ready to go and meet some friends - so clearly can't be too bad! [hmm)

Should I be panicking yet, or will the antibiotics take this time to kick in?

Wasn't going to offer my experience - which is that I still have a lump and swelling on my gum 2 months on from 3 courses of antibiotics - but maybe my comments are better than none .

My face is no longer swollen and I'm waiting for appt at dental hosp for an xray .
Tho some doubt now as to whether dentist has sent referral yet .

GP doesn't seem bothered ,pain has subsided .

So i guess these things aren't that much to worry about .

If agonising pain suggest dental hospital .

Sorry not to be more help .

ginger
Thanks - it is helpful, because I've been looking at sites telling me about bacteria getting into the brain and heart valves, and getting into a bit of a panic!
The swelling is getting worse not better, but I'm hoping that the antibiotics will kick in properly soon, and it'll start to subside. He's not in pain, although his face feels 'funny' - looks pretty funny as well!!
Our dentist has been pretty useless, the dental hospital say we'll be waiting for 23 weeks so I've booked a private appt with a root canal filling man - he's sorted out several for me and I've had no problems - just need to arrange the mortgage now!!!!
Hope you get your sorted soon.

Hi ajandjjmum

Absolutely not a dentist, but have some experience so let me reassure you.

Dental abscesses CAN in theory cause brain infections etc, but it is very, very, very, very rare. And when it does happen, it is always when people have not gotten appropriate care (or have no access to any as in the Third World etc).

My dentist told me that in 27 years he has never seen a single case of this, and doesn't know any dentist that has. And that when he went and worked in Africa for a few years, he had people wandering in with nasty abscesses that they'd literally had for years - and none of them had septicemia.

Your hubby's antibiotics WILL work and the swelling WILL go down. Promise :)

Thanks Crocko - that really helps to know that. I keep looking at his face and thinking it's getting worse. I've just said 'let me have another look' and he said 'I'm not a show dog'. Think I need to let it go for tonight!

Oh google can be scary ( shock announcement of week ) .

I think it is scary with teeth though because of their location - face ,eyes ,brain !

It does seem that one can live with an infection for a long time without it being a big deal ...

Thought this thread was interesting
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1441777-Toothache-in-an-existing-crown-what-can-be-done

Tho maybe not very relevant to your DS case .

How is he today ?

I found mine peaked so that I was in agony for 24 hours and then subsisided .
Suppose it burst - would like to know with mine what happened /is happening but can't afford to pay to find out and dentist and GP not forthcoming .
No time I suppose .

A quick update - DS saw the dentist again today, as the temporary filling had dropped out yesterday (typical!). She commented on the amount of infection, and wanted to lance the abcess, but without freezing, so he declined, and said he'd wait for the antibiotics to kick in. His face is looking less swollen today, and he's not in pain, so hopefully it's getting better.

He's also got a continuation of the antibiotics, so that the infection doesn't flare up again before the root canal filling next week.

Phew - kids! Thanks for your advice.