Is it an abscessed tooth?!


Question:

Is it an abscessed tooth?

I have a decayed upper molar that started throbbing yesterday afternoon. The gums around it feel puffy. I feel like there is pressure around that side of my jaw and face. I started taking some Motrin, as the dentist office closed at noon. As the evening wore on, the pain got worse until I was in tears last night. Finally, after taking 4 motrin, and an hour later 2 tylenol and some use of kanka gel, the pain subsided and I was able to fall asleep about 1am. I woke up this morning in no pain, but am favoring that tooth/side of my face in fear of it hurting again. Anyone else have this experience? I am debating on waiting it out til dentist opens on Monday or calling him this morning for an emergency appointment. My concern is if it's abscessed, I've heard you shouldn't wait in fear of infection spreading.
Thank you.

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
This tooth has been bad for a couple years, but never been painful until last night.

3 weeks ago
Thank you all so much. Called my dentist this morning, he prescribed me clindamycin antibiotic until he can see me on Monday to have it pulled. I appreciate everyone's answers!


Answers:

As a dentist myself it does sound like an abscess, I can tell you that an infected tooth, or abscess as they are called are extremely painful and will need antibiotic therapy. PLEASE see a Dentist or take a trip to your local ER as soon as possible as this CANNOT be fixed on its own and there are NO home remedies that will cure this tooth, you need a dental professional immediately. Antibiotics and pain medication that the Doctor will prescribe will eventually help the tooth become less infected but once you stop antibiotics the infection WILL return and is usually much more painful the second time around. Infection from an abscess tooth can spread to the throat causing an airway obstruction and can spread to the heart and brain and cause very severe problems and sometimes fatal complications. PLEASE see a dentist in your area to discuss treatment as this can become extremely painful. Try taking Motrin (ibuprofen) for pain, this will help reduce swelling and will also help control pain. Also try using COLD compresses, do NOT use heat as this can cause the infection to worsen and spread and become more painful. Please see a dentist or ER physician ASAP. Good luck!




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