What should I expect and ask before treatment of dental abcess?

Question

I had a cracked tooth rebuilt 2 mo ago. Since then I've had repeated systemic infections treated (internist) 2x with z-pac, 1x Amoxicillin. 100 degree temp. This time my jaw hurt so much and up the side of my head, down my neck, fever, and so weak and dizzy went to ER. Dr there not interested really but did prescribe Clindomycin. Have appt on Tues with dentist-who knows I'm on clindomycin and have abcess. (haven't filled him in on full course of illness yet). One of my concerns is that I have little to no immunity to infections & no adrenals (addison's) The dentist knows I have a complicated medical history. I really want to start feeling better but I want to make best choices for future satisfaction. What do I ask about, should I follow up immediately with internist also to make sure general health no further impacted. I started the latest antibiotics yesterday. Today incredibly weak and still painful up and down head and neck. Should I give it more time? Hate missing so much work.

Answer 1

I hope you have an appt with an endodontist, (a root-canal specialist) thats what it sounds like you need. It sounds like you have a really bad abcess or possible root fracture. I reccomend staying on the antibiotics(Clindamycin is good)and taking 800mg of Advill,motrin or aleve, this helps with swelling , inflamation around the roots and pain. Also rinse with warm salt H2O followed with ice pack on outside of your face for 20 minutes at least 4 times a day. There is nothing an ER doctor can do except prescribe RX for you till you can see a dentist. There are dentists that come in for emergency's on the weekend, they will get you out of pain(our office does)try calling some. Good luck !

Answer 2

I've had this several times. The swelling will go down fairly quickly in about 2-3 days. It is likely that the abcess will burst and you will know it has because you will get a yucky taste in your mouth and the relief will be rapid after that. You're doing the right thing ingetting anti-biotics, make sure you take them as described and finish the course even when you start to feel better in a few days, that will stop the recurrence of the infection. The cure is to get the tooth removed as soon as possible, but I will leave it until after your trip. If you have more pain at night, you can now get a pain-killer from chemists that have something in to help you sleep as well, you might want to buy some just in case. All the best, and enjoy your trip away.

Answer 3

This sounds like you have a weak immune system. Everytime a disorder anywhere in the body comes on and is treated, including the teeth, the white corpuscles make an invasion to the affected area. For more info e mail me

Answer 4

sounds like you need a root canal, an abcess on a tooth will only reoccur after treatment with antibiotics. The symptoms go away but the abcess will remain dorment.