Abcess on DH's tooth, what will they do?

[Moosy]

DH thinks he's got an abcess on his back tooth, it's got a lump on it and is agony. He's got an emergency appointment today but is worried about what they're going to do.

He's only just about able to go to the dentist by himself now after being phobic for many years, so wants a bit of hope!

They might just try antibiotics for a start and see if it clears.

That's good to know, he's terrified they're going to want to pull it out - he passed out in the chair last time he had an extraction.

Can't say it won't come to that, my dh had an abscess which did lead to an extraction but it was a tooth that had a long history of problems and the root had split in two. They still tried antibiotics first and extraction was a last resort.

anitbiotics - they have to treat the infection first.

it happends to dh all the time, dh has truly not looked after his teeth and will not go to the dentist until he is on the verge of having a breakdown with the pain

thank god my mother took me to the dentist regularly, although not the nicest place in the world to have to visit, at least i would rather get the pain over and done with

That's exactly how DH used to be Custy, he'd go for weeks in pain and not tell me before I'd realise what it was and drag him whimpering to the dentist. He's had to have so much work done and it's all his own silly fault! [smug perfect-toothed ]

He's better than he used to be though, this time he's only be hurting for 2 days and even rang the dentist all by himself!

pmsl - big hard men my arse

He must be really hurting, he's just dashed off with plenty of time to spare! I said "ooh look at you going to the dentist all by yourself you brave big boy!"

Funny, he told me to F off!

probably root canal work.

I had the first part of mine today. Get referred to an endodontic specialist - preferably one who is used to nervous patients. Mine insisted on giving me topical local before injecting the local!

It's a breeze

Well he's been given ABs and they've taken out the dodgy filling, cleaned it out and put a temporary filling in and he has to go back next week for a proper look. He's not hurting so much now which is good, but they were talking about root canal work. What's an endodontic specialist?

Endodontic specialist/ endodontist is a dentist with specialist qualifications in root canal therapy. All dentists are trained in root canal treatment.
If your dc is nervous your dentist may be able to refer you elsewhere to have sedation whilst having treatment. Community dental clinics normally provide this service but the waiting lists are long. If your child is able to cope without sedation then it would be the best option.

Haha! Thanks Crunchie, but it's not my child it's my other baby DH!

He did have sedation when he had 2 extractions a few months ago, not sure he needs it for this though, we'll see how he is after his appointment next week I think.