Severe dental pain - help me :(

[amehh]

I last saw the dentist in January 2020, no fillings needed but I've been clenching my teeth at night so they are sensitive (stress related) and my 2nd molar is misaligned so meets the teeth before any of the others (if that makes sense) so that is extra painful. This tooth is filled to high heaven and is basically a bad tooth, my dentist says - we are in talks of extraction anyway due to the amount of problems it has had in the past 4 years. Had a mouth guard fitted but it didn't get made before the lock down so I've purchased my own for now.

This last week I've been in sudden and severe pain, all on the left side. Upper teeth, lower teeth, gums and jaw, plus now getting pain in my ear and temple. I think it's an abscess caused by the pressure and damage of clenching my teeth but I can't see anything. I've been taking paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hours for days and it's getting worse. Changed to cocodamol and ibuprofen yesterday and I've been given amoxicillin which I've started as well. Dentist wants me to check back on Monday but I honestly don't know how I'll make it to Monday! I can't sleep, lie down, the pain is horrendous, I'd rather be in labour and it gets worse every day. My gums on that side are so sore to touch I can hardly brush them (I use sensodyne rapid relief toothpaste as well).

Can anyone help me? I'm terrified of dentists and dental work but at this point I'd happily have them pull all my teeth out with no anaesthetic if that's what it took. I'm trying to homeschool DS and look after
6 month old DD and all I really want to do is smash my face against a wall
Sorry this is long - trying not to drip feed information!

I had a severe abcess 18 mths ago. I looked like elephant woman as that half of my face swelled to the size of a baked potato, totally distorting my jawline. It was horrific, and yes the pain is worse than anything. Codeine helped a bit, make sure you keep taking the amoxicillin and you might need a stronger/additional antibiotic, obv that needs to be prescribed. Dentist can't actually do anything in any case until the swelling has gone down, which should happen with the antibiotics. Codeine will cut your appetite and give you one or two other side effects but is safe to take the maximum dosage for three-four days until you can get this fixed. Also try clove oil directly onto the area.
And remember it will get better. It's incredibly hard and I really really feel for you, I've never been so miserable.

ah I see, all fixed! ignore me. hope the extraction heals well!

Ah sounds like a good outcome OP!

I had an extraction a couple of months ago, I needed ibuprofen/paracetamol for the first 24 hours but then was basically fine, SO much better than the toothache. Just make sure you read all the advice about avoiding hot drinks/tooth brushing/straws etc to avoid dry socket.

So please op!

You will have some pain but it should be a lot less than the toothache.

A numb nose can happen sometimes when numbing up the mouth. Its nothing to worry about and should go

@TheWalkingTalkingRed I said our extractions were taking that long on a previous thread. The actual extraction takes the same amount of time it is just us gowning up, airing the room, cleaning down that is taking the time. It doesnt effect chair time dont worry!

So pleased you received some help xx

I hope you have a swift and painless recovery! (Chances are good as it came out so quickly!)

Keep taking pain relief for a day or so, extraction is quite sore. YY to trying to avoid dry socket. Follow the advice given to the letter!
Glad you managed to see someone.

DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon oh thnank goodness! I had a panic at the thought of needing one and having my mouth open that long, while they pulled about! Yes that makes sense I can imagine all the extra cleaning involved must be a nightmare

Brilliant. I have had to have teeth out in similar circumstances and found that there was very little pain once it was out. Do remember to follow the post extraction instructions

Does anyone know if the emergency hubs are offering root canals? I have a DS who is waiting for a referral and would rather he not have an extraction (back molar) if at all possible - he is only 19.

@anywinewilldonow I don't know but it did seem to be a quick in and out job so maybe they are trying to limit contact time? I imagine a root canal would take quite a bit longer.

Local has worn off and I've taken some low dose cocodamol and all seems good for now. Just remembering all the advice from when I had my wisdom teeth out, soft food only for me - shame I didn't plan ahead and get some ice cream in!

Aw that's great you've been seen OP nothing worse than toothache 😘

So sorry to hear this. Is it type 1 or 2? What treatment do you use? Have you considered surgery?