Abcessed tooth....advice really needed please?!

LolitaLove

:eek:I had a filling in an upper third molar recently...shortly after having the filling it fell out (along with part of the tooth.) I didn't go to the dentist right away as there was no pain or anything. A little while after however I started to get the most intense pain, swelling, fever etc...I went back to the dentist and was diagnosed with an abcess and given antibiotics. My dentist advised me to wait for at least two weeks, then return to have the tooth extracted.
The problem is that I'm going on holiday next week, for three weeks.

I don't really want to have to seek dental treatment while on holiday, but I don't want to be in intense pain on holiday either! I read that antibiotics will only stop the infection from spreading....so in that case does anyone know why the dentist has given me 5 days worth of antibiotics but advised me to return in 2 weeks?

If I wait the three weeks before having the tooth extracted, what is likely to happen....will the infection return/spread further? Will the pain return?

I'm really hoping someone can help me with this...perhaps someone that's been in the same boat? I would REALLY really appreciate any replies. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading!

MrsE_2

He has given you the antibiotics to clear the infection before he can clean & treat the tooth.

escortg3

LolitaLove wrote: »

:eek:I had a filling in an upper third molar recently...shortly after having the filling it fell out (along with part of the tooth.) I didn't go to the dentist right away as there was no pain or anything. A little while after however I started to get the most intense pain, swelling, fever etc...I went back to the dentist and was diagnosed with an abcess and given antibiotics. My dentist advised me to wait for at least two weeks, then return to have the tooth extracted.
The problem is that I'm going on holiday next week, for three weeks.

I don't really want to have to seek dental treatment while on holiday, but I don't want to be in intense pain on holiday either! I read that antibiotics will only stop the infection from spreading....so in that case does anyone know why the dentist has given me 5 days worth of antibiotics but advised me to return in 2 weeks?

If I wait the three weeks before having the tooth extracted, what is likely to happen....will the infection return/spread further? Will the pain return?

I'm really hoping someone can help me with this...perhaps someone that's been in the same boat? I would REALLY really appreciate any replies. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading!

I had this problem and took the antibiotics for 5 days. one week later the absess was back with a vengence.

So if i were you i would have the tooth out before going on holiday if you can, if not then explain to the dentist you are going away and can you have enough antibiotics to last while you are away.

Toothsmith

Did you tell him about your holiday plans?

LolitaLove

Toothsmith wrote: »

Did you tell him about your holiday plans?

Hi Toothsmith,

Yes I did tell him I was going on holiday, but he said he was powerless to do anything until the infection had cleared, which would be at least a week. Do you think I should just ask for antibiotics to last the three weeks as a poster above suggested? Thanks!

scooby088

I wouldn't ask for 3 weeks of antibiotics as a weeks worth should clear the infection, I was in the same situation a few years ago and i told the dentist to remove the tooth as he will presumably do when you get back off holiday. The dentist could remove the tooth before the holiday and give you antibiotics to stave of any infection during the holiday.

Toothsmith

I wouldn't go for 3-4 weeks of abs either, but a second course to take with you in case trouble reappears might not be a bad idea.

LolitaLove

Just wanted to clarify something...need opinions please!

I'm thinking of cancelling my holiday. I might be going a little bit over the top but I've just been reading stories of people dying from a tooth abcess, after infection/bacteria spread. I'm getting really worried!:(

I'm also worried as I've read that antibiotics are usually only prescribed for a severe infection....plus I've been prescribed a higher dose reserved for more severe infections. It's concerned me a bit as I'm usually very robust....however I recently started a placement on a busy medical ward and I've been getting ill quite frequently (think long days and lack of sleep play a big part) so I'm really nervous about going on holiday if I'm not up to fighting off the infection. I'm even thinking of going to A&E for IV antibiotics? Or at least stronger painkillers....I'm taking codeine phosphate, paracetamol and ibuprofen and I'm still in pain! Also, there is a swelling on my face around the abcessed area....it is only very slight..(you can't even tell at first glance but on closer inspection it's noticeable).
So...do you think I should cancel my holiday/get off to A & E? My temp is normal, no breathing difficulty, resp rate normal, I am tachycardic (slightly) but that could just be the pain?
Thanks in advance for answers

Toothsmith

I'm confused now, as in your original post you were worried about the infection 'coming back' and the pain 'returning'.

Now it seems like the infection isn't under control, and that you're still in pain.

If it was the former, then going off on holiday with some antibiotics 'just in case' would probably be OK.

If the infection isn't controlled, and you're swollen, and you're in pain - then I would be trying to get back to the dentist ASAP and yes - thinking about cancelling the holiday would be sensible.

NickyBat

Get an emergency appt at the dentist and ask them to remove the tooth.
I personally would not get on a plane with a tooth abcess, but i have had a tooth removed because of one after a course of antibiotics and carried on taking them after the extraction.
The relief is enormous when the tooth has gone.