wisdom tooth problem...what to do?!
Question: Wisdom tooth problem...what to do?
Sometimes it doesn't hurt very much, and while ago it wasn't hurting very much but it started to. And once it gets going you can't do anything about it. I thought I would eat something...perhaps moving my jaw around would help some.
So I got an oreo. Somehow -- and I do not know how -- part of the oreo went to the bad side of my mouth and I bit down on the thing with that screwed up wisdom tooth. The pain was incredible. I literally fell out of my chair and writhed on the ground for a few minutes. The the worst passed. I stumbled to the bathroom and washed my mouth out with Act mouthwash. I have an antibiotic mouthwash I'm supposed to use in the morning and antibiotic toothpaste I'm supposed to use at night. In between if I eat something I'll use the Act to clear it all out.
The pain has largely subsided now. It's kind of sore where I bit down, but in terms of pain I'm actually better than I was before I started to eat the oreo. Usually "the episodes" come on very quickly. Starts with a little ache in the mouth and suddenly I have severe, debilitating pain behind my left eye and going up to my ear on the same side. And that was the track I was on but biting down on that oreo seemed to stop it for now.
Anyway, I'm concerned about the abscess. I've heard of people dying with them. It should be noted that I have anxiety disorder and health things make me nervous, but I'm concerned that when I bit down some of that infection got out and I'm going to be very sick very soon. I'm already nauseated, but that could be the amoxicillin or even just my nerves. My mind is trying to make me believe it is infection.
This oreo thing happened about thirty or forty minutes or so ago. Pain isn't bad. Nausea seems to be getting a little better. Nerves are shot to hell. Will someone tell me if I have cause for immediate concern? Dentists, doctors, hygenists, and people who are smart with biology and stuff are welcome to comment. Thank you in advance.
Answers:
First off, calm down and take your antibiotics as prescribed. Antibiotics take TIME to work. Amoxicillin usually works in 2-3 days.
Yes it is true that people have died from abscessed teeth BUT only if it gets too severe -- If you have trouble breathing or swallowing GO TO THE ER ASAP.
NOW, stay off of solid foods (especially if it has a vertical fracture and an abscess) and have a shake instead (something like Ensure). Remember your appt on Tuesday and visit your dentist for exam and cleaning AT LEAST every year to avoid this in the future.
i'm a dentist.
Abscesses will hurt, but it is very important that you keep your regime of taking antibiotics as prescribed! Nothing can be done to remove the tooth safely without eliminating the infection first! I made the mistake of seeing an Oral Surgeon for a tooth removal, and even though he did it, he did not realize the extent of the abscess. As a result, I lost a great deal of surrounding dental tissue, and required stitches. Take the medication for the period of time prescribed, then follow up with your dentist. Systemic infection as a result of the abscess is marginal as long as your taking the antibiotics as prescribed.