Possible infection of the gum/pulpitis?

[Suboxone_Trauma_Drama]

Hello,

I am a soon to be 36 year old female with extreme anxiety, and was officially diagnosed with OCD last year. Dentists offices and medical settings cause my anxiety to go sky high.

Here are some important things to know about my current situation. I have spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. My condition requires me to use a wheelchair and other mobility equipment because I cannot walk, but I can speak, and have limited use of one of my arms.

The CP is important because 14 years ago, I had surgery to correct severe scoliosis. The surgery went well, but 4 days post op, nurses dropped me due to not hooking up a transfer lift correctly. This caused an infection that became life threatening. After I started to turn the corner, I was placed in a residential hospital for people with physical disabilities.

Then came the pain meds. Turns out, I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, which means meds are needed at stronger doses, which could have adverse effects. I was placed on methadone (a high dose) but one meant for someone using it for pain, and not for withdrawal. It worked… but after being on it for just over a decade, it started messing with my heart. My doctor switched me to Suboxone instead, because narcotics are hard on my body. This Suboxone is my last resort.

My problem? It caused an explosion of cavities and other dental issues within such a short time. I didn’t get my first cavity until I was 28 years old, and now it seems like that’s all I get. Suboxone is murder on my teeth, which is why I’m here.

I had a filling done on the top left side, all the way at the back. When I had the procedure done, I felt great. It was a deep filling, but my dentist was patient and took her time. That was on the 6th of September. I had to go back a week later to get some more minor fillings done on the right side. I mentioned to her that they felt a little funny. They made this odd sound when I bit down, but there was no pain. She looked and said that everything looked okay. There was definitely sensitivity when chewing, some mild discomfort, but was told all would be okay in 2 - 4 weeks.

Something is not okay. It doesn’t happen constantly, but it does happen consistently. I get this zip of pain in the tooth that was fixed when chewing. It doesn’t seem to be bothered by hot or cold more than normal. A few days ago, I noticed my gum was swollen in the back, right close to where I had my filling placed. A nurse looked at it and didn’t seem to concerned, but I am. I have already lost 2 teeth to Suboxone, and I really don’t want to lose another. I brush my teeth every day, twice a day, with a small army of different products to protect my enamel and prevent cavities.

The only thing I struggle with is flossing, since my arm doesn’t work so well, and my mouth has overcrowding. A common physical characteristic of CP depending on the severity. The staff in the hospital where I live refuse to help. That’s a whole other story.

The top left side of my gum is swollen. It’s not painful, but my tooth where I got the filling hurts depending on where it’s touching. The gum isn’t red or bleeding, and the nurse couldn’t see any signs of abscess. The filling is also still in my tooth, but I’m not sure if it’s leaking. My main concern is a gum infection or pulpitis. I’ll post a photo of the gum swelling in comparison to the other side. I do have an appointment planned, but it’s a ways off. Should I try to book an emergency trip if I can?

Thanks so much. I apologize for the lengthy post, but I’m so frustrated. Even though I live in a hospital, no one here is taking me seriously.

 

[Gordon]

I'm really sorry, but I can't see anything useful in those photos. Can you have another go?
Gum infection isn't really a thing. Pulpitis would be sharp pain on biting that tends to linger on afterwards, or with hot drinks/food.
I'd suggest that if things are getting worse, get the emergency appointment, if not then it's probably OK to wait.