Can I Slow Down Infection?

[betterfly]

Are there any 'at home' measures that will prevent or slow the advancement of infection?

I have a silver-filled lower left tooth that's been broken & decaying for 11+ yrs due to dental phobia. Very recently much of the tooth turned black and I've had unabated pain for 3 weeks. The taste & smell is not pretty. The gland beneath is very painful. There is constant throbbing, stabbing pain and pressure in both jaws, my ear and my TMJ, along with headaches and sinus pressure. I think the left side of my head is going to explode. Although there is no visible swelling, my jaw/ear frequently hurts more than the tooth itself, which is really saying something. Everything seems to have magnified in the past 24-48 hrs.

I have a Jan 8th appt with an oral surgeon. Circumstances preclude the possibility of being seen sooner, nor can I get to a pharmacy or ask someone to pick up a script for me. It's bad enough that I have to see a dentist. It's worse knowing that infection means probably more than 2 visits. It's freaking me out, actually. Can I at least do something to slow the infection for the next 10 days? I'm beginning to worry about becoming septic.

Also, how much ibuprophen is too much? I'm eating it like candy.

 

[carole]

The only thing I can suggest for you to do is to keep it as clean as you can, try warm salt water rinses you could try a cold compress held on your face where the tooth is hurting if it is infected, you could also try a warm pad or something on your ear to see if that helps. As you know you really need to see the dentist, and if you really cannot see one before your appointment these things might help. You cannot stop an infection though.

I cannot advise you on the medication you are taking as I am not a dentist or doctor, but try not to take more than you should. Could you not see a doctor and get some stronger painkillers if you can't get to the dentist, to be honest though I really think that anything you take isn't really going to help until you see the dentist.

I know the pain you are having and it makes you so miserable, it is horrible, I would try and see a dentist sooner.

Let us know how you get on, all the best

 

[betterfly]

I would try and see a dentist sooner.

Thank you very much for your reply. Hopefully I can tolerate warm salt water. Room temp liquids feel like ice and are excruciating, so I know that I can't tolerate a cold compress.

I can't be seen any sooner. I am a live-in caretaker for an Alzheimer's patient. The oral surgeon and my primary care physician are located over 100 miles away (where my home is). Arrangements for 1 week off in January were made prior to this dental disaster. I don't drive and there are no family members or friends close enough to cover for me on short notice so I have to get this resolved during my scheduled week off.

I tried to get an appt with the oral surgeon on my 1st free day (the 5th) but the 8th was the best they could do. I'm going to call tomorrow and plead for mercy.

 

[carole]

Could you maybe get some stronger pain meds from a doctor until you can see the os. I hope you can manage to get some relief from this before your appointment.