Tooth abscess?

[YankeeMom]

Anyone had one before? I'm fairly certain I have one next to a tooth that needs a root canal that I have put off getting done, both out of fear and lack of funds. Is it horrible to have taken care of? I do plan on calling the dentist now, I don't want this to become a body/brain infection. But I'd like to know what to expect (aside from the scolding I know my dentist will give me ).

[savvy_sniper]

The dentist will probably want you to come in, look at it, scold you, give you script for antibiotics and tell you what needs to be done.

Been there, done that!

[savvy_sniper]

OH, and the dentist can't/won't do anything until the infection is gone.

[thefrug]

really? cuz every time I had an abscess, I was loaded up with amoxicillin and then it was pulled. huh. different dentists I guess.

If you don't get it taken care of it'll be bad, so funds or no funds, get to the dentist.

I feel your pain, I go monday to get the last of my teeth out. Apparently the roots are already starting to pull away from the bone *sigh*

Good Luck!

[mommy4ever]

If you are wanting to save the tooth, and you are abscessed, a run of antibiotics to clear the infection is required.

Then after that, it's not a lot different than a filling to have done, just more time consuming. He'll freeze the area, although I've assisted on root canals where the patient didn't require any freezing. The tooth is dead, it's the surrounding tissues that are sore, if the infection is gone, then it's painless overall. They'll open the tooth, clear out the nerve tissue and fill with a special material so that no bacteria can enter the tooth and cause further infection. It's usually recommended to crown the tooth once it's all said and done, and you know the tooth isn't going to be problematic, as a tooth with a root canal becomes brittle over time.

I have a friend that is a denturist(makes dentures) and he recommends saving teeth when ever possible as opposed to pulling, as dentures, if every needed, function much better in conjunction with natural teeth to anchor them down, especially lower teeth. He gets quite upset with the dentists that just pull pull pull, as eventually you lose the bone surface and the gums become flat, and it's very hard to hold a denture in with those conditions. It might be cheaper to just pull it now, but in the long run, it's often not the case. Im plants, etc are VERY expensive, or no teeth, for those who've been there, it's great to have a nice set of teeth fake or natural. My mother can barely keep her lowers in because the dentist convinced her to have them all pulled at 25. She'd do good to have the implants put in and a partial instead, but that is several thousand dollars.

[KatieInLa2]

If the anitbiotics doesn't reduce the tooth pain in 24 hrs be sure to call and tell your dentist and he will change the prescription to another antibiotic.

Hope you get relief fast.

[Sassyclass]

Whether you want to save the tooth or pull it the poison has to be cleared up first so expect to be put on antibiotics. After the poison is gone your dentist will more than likely want to save the tooth, which means another root canal, unless you are determined to pull the tooth. You need to get to the dentist immediately because the pain can be very excruciating. I had one a long time ago and at the time I was a dental assisstant. Not good for business so the boss said stay home, he didn't want me to scare our patients. I swear my chin stuck out like the Hamburglers.

Cat

[YankeeMom]

Yes, I'm pretty sure my dentist will want to save the tooth. So far it's not too bad. Just a tiny fistula on the outside of my gum line. It's not even very painful. Just a little tender. The tooth itself only hurts when I have suction in my mouth.

[YankeeMom]

Just got back from the dentist. Apparently the infection is all around the tooth as well as that fistula on the outside of my gums. I'm on high dosage antibiotics and go back on Wednesday for part 1 of the root canal. He's going to do it in two stages. He said "This isn't going to be easy". Oh joy

[savvy_sniper]

GOOD Luck! Did you get any painkillers? If so, take one BEFORE you go for the first visit. If not, take some ibuprofen (antienflammatory - sp).

I lived through it and I am a BIG baby. The dentist and nurse even said I was the biggest baby they ever had, but they were patient and very nice about it all.

[YankeeMom]

I've had root canals before. This will be my third (all on the bottom too!). My first one was bad. Infected, I had a swollen face/neck for two weeks afterward...he said this one will be as bad or worse than that was

[miss_thrifty]

so far since i brush my teeth very carefully with tea tree oil from time to time . I havent had nay more cankers, hole in tooth stays the same size. Since i floss more often too helps alot.