Nasty abscess has returned

[unz1]

Hi everyone. I posted on here a few months ago about an abscess in the back of my mouth.

Just to recap, before I go into any more detail:
I have a molar near the top left back of my mouth and it was becoming a 'food trap'. This caused an abscess and my dentist gave me amoxicillin to try and ease the pain. Stupidly, I forgot to make a follow up appointment and after completing my antibiotics was thrilled to notice that the pain had gone and I was able to chew my food and enjoy eating without any serious dental pain.

However, a few days ago I noticed my left cheek slowly starting to swell. There was no dental pain (although it WAS in the exact same place) so I figured perhaps it was an allergic reaction, as my lips were slightly swollen and very chapped. I decided to see my doctor today, who came to the conclusion that my dental abscess has made it's comeback and that I need to return to the dentist ASAP to get it sorted.

The doctor prodded about in my mouth, over the area where the pain is and I said to her 'yes, that's where it is.' Directly above the tooth where the abscess is. However... since seeing the doctor earlier today, my gum is now swollen. It was swollen anyway but now it's different.. sorta like the gum pocket above the infected tooth has been filled. It's a sorta weird off-red/orangey colour which has worried me because I've never seen this before!

I've attached a picture so you guys can see. I figured this would be easier because trying to explain stuff like this can be pointless without the visual evidence, or so I find anyway. Is this normal? This is what is scaring me the most, the way my gum has responded.




I'm sorry it's a bit gross, but you can clearly see where the abscess is, right? The problem is, I'm returning to University on MONDAY (yes that's right THIS monday morning!) and so I won't be able to make any dental appointments until then. I'm back on the amoxicillin, but seriously.. will it do any good until I can get myself back to my dentist? I'm really worried about this, as I'm about to start my final university year - although I can appreciate and recognize that I should've made a follow up appointment in the first place.

I'm terrified I will need root canal.

I'm sorry this whole post is very rambly, but any advice would be appreciated so much.

Thanks guys.

 

[carole]

Hi when they give you antibiotics for an abscess it is only to calm the infection down so that it will be easier to treat. They are not a cure they are part of a treatment that needs a follow up appointment.
I don't know if you will need a rct or not, your dentist will discuss this with you. If you do need a rct don't be afraid of it they are not bad. I was terrified of this procedure but needed two a while ago. I now would rather sit through a rct than a filling it is a much gentler and quiet treatment and does not hurt.
If you would like I can explain in none frightening terms the procedure for you.

I was the biggest phobic of this procedure and now I have no worries about it. You do need to go back to the dentist when they course of antibiotics are finished so phone and make an appointment. If you don't manage to make it back to the dentist the abscess will return and keep on doing so.

Once you have dealt with this tooth properly you can then continue with your university studies free from worry and pain.

All the best to you

 

[Mugz]

Hi there,
I'm so sorry about your abscess and the timing. I don't really have an answer for you but can fill you in a little more tomorrow when I go for mine. I too have one below on a molar and my cheek is now swollen and looks scraped and discolored too. It is all part of the infection. I'm on penicillin, 500 mg 4 times a day. I actually HAD a root canal 4 months ago and the pain has continued but I was too afraid to go back so here I am with an abscess and am very reluctantly going in tomorrow at 10 am...only to let him look and take xrays.

I've been told that the antibiotics actually wont do a whole lot as the abscess is a symptom of the infection, the tooth is the problem. Unless you deal with the tooth the cycle of the abscess coming and going will just continue and you have the potential to get really, really sick.

I'll see what goes tomorrow and let you know. Hang in there. I know how miserable it feels. I'm sorry...I feel for ya. In the meantime, you may want to go read Carole's really helpful reply to me under an abscess post a few days ago. You might find some comfort there as I did.

 

[Mugz]

Unz 1

Well...I went. You can check my update for more details but the short story is....they took xrays, numbed it and drained the abscess. Then...you guessed it...root canal next week. Since I already had one on that tooth in June it is a repeat root canal. The way they explained it was the infection is inside the tooth. The only way to get to it and treat it is with the root canal. This time they are putting medicine inside that will stay for a few weeks to help with the infection.

Sorry. I wish I had better news for you. I will tell you what they've told me repeatedly though...that the abscess is kind of a serious thing and that infection can spread thru your body. Even if you take antibiotics and it feels better or the abscess goes away it never really fully gets rid of the problem as it is in the tooth and you can get really, really sick. I had to hear that from 4 dental professionals today as I didn't get it the first time.

Good luck Unz.

 

[carole]

Hi sorry that your abscess has returned. I feel I need to correct Mugz on one thing that was said. An abscess in the mouth will not spread through your body, if left untreated it will make you feel quite out of sorts and will cause a lot of pain.

Usually infections stay in the mouth and even stay to just the tooth or teeth that are infected. People get frightened thinking that infection can spread to the brain or other parts of the body. I had an abscess for a long time that was left untreated by a dentist and although I felt ill and was in terrible pain the infection didn't go anywhere else.

I hope you get out of pain and worry soon

 

[Mugz]

Thanks Carole!! That makes me feel better too!!! The assistants and hygenist at the dentist's office were the ones who told me but I like your version much better!! Thanks!