Tooth Abscess

[Picky]

After a rool canal and a crown being fitted, i developed an abscess above my tooth. This happened the day before new years eve. Been to the dentist and been given 5 different types of anti biotics now (allergic to penecillian) but to no avail. It has now been decided my tooth needs removing, but due to a phobia of dentists, I need to wait for the sedation doctor to be available. My appointment is not until the beginning of March. Any advice on what to do for the pain and/or getting the abscess to go...PLEASE HELP IT'S DRIVING ME MAD!!!!

[monty0703]

I too had a real fear of tooth extraction without a general anaesthetic but I also knew there was a risk with any general anaesthetic so I plucked up the courage and had a local anaesthetic the next time I needed a tooth out. I was really chuffed with myself and surprised that I felt no pain whatsoever! My dentist was great throughout the procedure. I recommend you try and get over your fear. With regards to the pain, I used to put a painkiller at/near the problem tooth and leave it to dissolve.

[Picky]

It's not just tooth extraction I have a fear of, it's dentists in general! 6 months ago I couldn't even walk into the surgery without having a panic attack. I'm not having a general anaesthetic, just a sedation with a local, so I don't know what is going on. I'm lucky because I've found a great dentist who is very understanding and has helped me loads with my phobia. I'll try the painkiller on the tooth suggestion...thanks!

[andy hughes]

Ask your dentist to prescribe you some Temazepam - 5mg of this an hour or so before you go, and you'll be fine to get in the chair and have your local and treatment. I was similalry phobic - i couldn'e even get in the building, forget the surgery or the chair, and this really helped. I did eventually conquor my fear, but in this emergency, you need treatment fast, and this is the way to get it. Good luck!

[Janetex]

I, too, have had all these problems, but no fear with dentists. Many years ago I had hypnosis and learned relaxation techniques, this helps enormously. I only take Tetracycline. The abscess is drained through the tooth before removal is considered...... It is dangerous to wait so long for treatment. See your doctor!

[Cetti]

Picky, I had an abcess under a crown last year and had to have it extracted as like you antibiotics didn't work. I was terrified but I promise you it didn't hurt a bit. The worse bit is afterwards as its healing, but the skin soon hardens.

Please don't have any drugs if you can help it as they could interact with the injection. I kept putting it off thinking I would become braver until my husband said 'Leaving it is making you worse, I'll drive you now and let's get it over with' - This was the push I needed - sooo... take a deep breath and get it over with. You'll be glad you did!

[Picky]

Relaxation techniques and a very understanding dentist and dental nurses are helping me with the fear. I don't think I made it very clear (sorry!), but I have been back to the dentist 6 times now since new year for advice, treatment and my antibiotics etc. It's all been a bit of a nightmare and I know I must seem a bit of a coward, but the thought of having anyone poking around in my mouth with a drill etc is bringing me out in a cold sweat (my fingers are tembling just typing it!). Thanks for the words of support though, it is appreciated!

[TommyC]

My wife spent Christmas and New Year with exactly the same problem..until she remembered about garlic...!! She sliced a clove of garlic thinly, and laid the strips across the gum nearest the source of pain.. Within five minutes, she had gone from crying with a ten-day agony to almost laughing and dancing, as she actually FELT the pain lifting by the minute, after the initial skin-burn...Once it had eased, she was able to wait happily for the operation a few dyas later, and kep applying it in the meantime. GARLIC..!! Totally organic, non-overdosable, non-allergenic, and non-addictive..but it ALWAYS seems to work...!! It's not just for vampires..!!

[Picky]

I'll be popping into Tesos's on my way home...willing to try anything! Thanks very much for the suggestion TommyC, I'll let you know!

[Cetti]

Whole cloves is something else that's been used for generations for relieving tooth pain.

I didn't know about the garlic - I'll certainly remember that remedy. Good luck again Picky, do hope you feel better soon.

[Janetex]

Glad to hear that picky, I do sympathise and wish you luck. I was so grateful to get an emergency appointment with my dentist New Year's Eve until I realised the workmen outside were using drills. You could smell the fear in that waiting room!