Here we go AGAIN (dental infection)

[bin_tenn]

So ... I'm rather certain the infection is coming back. *AGAIN*. I finished the most recent round of antibiotics FIVE DAYS ago. I scheduled the surgical removal of the problem tooth for the earliest date possible, which is - OCTOBER 22. Yikes! That's a little over a month from now. What am I going to do in the meantime? I can't continue taking antibiotics, especially because I've already taken three courses in the past few months (or maybe it was four). And with the infection returning so quickly, I think I really just need the tooth out - but I have no choice but to wait a month, I think.

I'm calling the dentist tomorrow. This is just fairly aggravating, and I'm slightly worried. I don't know what they'll be able to do...

 

[Iugrad91]

Are there any emergency dentists in your area? Or someone else they might be able to refer you to? Assuming you have insurance I’d think you could go anywhere that takes your insurance to have it out. Maybe a place that specializes in dental surgery? I agree that another round of antibiotics is less than ideal but in the long term an infection is probably worse than taking another round, or trying another one altogether.

 

[bigjetplane6]

So ... I'm rather certain the infection is coming back. *AGAIN*. I finished the most recent round of antibiotics FIVE DAYS ago. I scheduled the surgical removal of the problem tooth for the earliest date possible, which is - OCTOBER 22. Yikes! That's a little over a month from now. What am I going to do in the meantime? I can't continue taking antibiotics, especially because I've already taken three courses in the past few months (or maybe it was four). And with the infection returning so quickly, I think I really just need the tooth out - but I have no choice but to wait a month, I think.

I'm calling the dentist tomorrow. This is just fairly aggravating, and I'm slightly worried. I don't know what they'll be able to do...

Believe it or not, warm salt water. I had the same problem with a tooth and I would rinse the tooth with warm salt water and it really helped to keep the infection away and with the pain.

 

[bin_tenn]

Are there any emergency dentists in your area? Or someone else they might be able to refer you to? Assuming you have insurance I’d think you could go anywhere that takes your insurance to have it out. Maybe a place that specializes in dental surgery? I agree that another round of antibiotics is less than ideal but in the long term an infection is probably worse than taking another round, or trying another one altogether.

I have never been able to find a nearby emergency dentist, no. I've looked before when I had severe toothaches on weekends, but no luck. I do have insurance, yes, so maybe I'll have to find some other surgeon who can get it out sooner. I also agree about the antibiotic not being ideal, but surely better than letting the infection go.

I'll ask the dentist tomorrow. I'm calling them (have a reminder set in my phone) as soon as they open at 8am. I'm kind of unsure at this point what needs to be done, but we'll figure that out. Since the infection is recurring after each round of antibiotics, I don't know if they actually have to rework the tissue in the area, or if removing the tooth is enough by itself.

Believe it or not, warm salt water. I had the same problem with a tooth and I would rinse the tooth with warm salt water and it really helped to keep the infection away and with the pain.

That's never worked for me, unfortunately. I've tried that so many times, even with the most recent occurrences of the infection, and it makes no difference. Pretty sure the infection is quite embedded in the canal, rather than a "simple" infection.

 

[Belizz]

Just call them and see what they have to say. I think they will have an emergency appointment if your tooth can't wait.

It may actually be remaining pain (as I call it) after a bout of infection. The pain and headache may continue for quite a while. At least it was what happened with me when I had an infected tooth. But at least you used an antibiotic treatment so I assume it can't be very much dangerous to wait now,
I think?
I hope you get an appointment soon so you relieve your stress.

I have been waiting with a temporary filling after a root canal since the end of June. The dentist said they put a bacteria-killing medication inside so I can wait in case, but luckily I have my appointment for the real deal in 4 days. We will see.

 

[bin_tenn]

It's definitely a recurring infection. Well, at least the last couple of times were. This time *may* be a fluke, but I'm much more inclined to believe it's still infected, because it's exhibiting all the typical signs. Since it's tolerable for now, and doesn't seem to be worsening (yet) I think I'll wait until tomorrow to call the dentist if need be.

 

[blueberries]

I used to work in a dental office and I have personally had many dental emergencies of my own. Where I worked there was rarely a day where we didn't have to squeeze someone in (and often many people) because of an emergency and any emergency I have had, the dentist has always been able to see me the same day. I don't know where you are from but most dentists should be able to accommodate you for an emergency. Emergency being pain, swelling, infection. Even for a "non-emergency" such as "may be a fluke" warrants at least a phone call.

A month is a long time to wait, I hope they can see you sooner. Are you on a cancellation list? Are you planning on having conscious sedation for the removal? I ask because removing a tooth doesn't take that long and I would think if it gets bad they would be able to squeeze you in as long as you aren't having sedation. Sedation of course takes much longer and may not be able to be done at the drop of a hat.

There is a good dental site, dentalfearcentral dot org. There are dentists on this site who often answer questions, you might be able to get some insight there as to what to do next.

 

[Joshua1]

So ... I'm rather certain the infection is coming back. *AGAIN*. I finished the most recent round of antibiotics FIVE DAYS ago. I scheduled the surgical removal of the problem tooth for the earliest date possible, which is - OCTOBER 22. Yikes! That's a little over a month from now. What am I going to do in the meantime? I can't continue taking antibiotics, especially because I've already taken three courses in the past few months (or maybe it was four). And with the infection returning so quickly, I think I really just need the tooth out - but I have no choice but to wait a month, I think.

I'm calling the dentist tomorrow. This is just fairly aggravating, and I'm slightly worried. I don't know what they'll be able to do...

Try salty water, you may be able to google to rest and look at home remedies. Clove oil is fantastic for pain and infections, but it damages teeth and gums.

 

[bin_tenn]

I used to work in a dental office and I have personally had many dental emergencies of my own. Where I worked there was rarely a day where we didn't have to squeeze someone in (and often many people) because of an emergency and any emergency I have had, the dentist has always been able to see me the same day. I don't know where you are from but most dentists should be able to accommodate you for an emergency. Emergency being pain, swelling, infection. Even for a "non-emergency" such as "may be a fluke" warrants at least a phone call.

A month is a long time to wait, I hope they can see you sooner. Are you on a cancellation list? Are you planning on having conscious sedation for the removal? I ask because removing a tooth doesn't take that long and I would think if it gets bad they would be able to squeeze you in as long as you aren't having sedation. Sedation of course takes much longer and may not be able to be done at the drop of a hat.

There is a good dental site, dentalfearcentral dot org. There are dentists on this site who often answer questions, you might be able to get some insight there as to what to do next.

I don't think I'm on a cancellation list. It'll be IV sedation (general anesthesia), because it's surgical removal. A bit more complicated that a standard extraction. It's four teeth in total, one of which is a crown, two are already broken off, and one is an "extra" tooth in front of the others.

The pain has subsided today, and the minor swelling in the area seems to be down as well. I'm hoping that means it was a fluke, or the infection was weak enough that my body was able to fend it off.

Try salty water, you may be able to google to rest and look at home remedies. Clove oil is fantastic for pain and infections, but it damages teeth and gums.

I've tried all those home remedies before, but nothing works. Except antibiotics.

 

[Belizz]

You had a bout of antibiotics already, I doubt there will be issues about bacterias at least until you visit the dentist and have your operation.
I am pretty sure all will go well after your procedure and you will get better in no time.
It's just to relieve your discomfort until you go there. If you really feel like it is getting worse, visit emergency. You may not need it though.