question about tooth abscess/infection - is this serious??

[Leilia]

Ok I'm really scared.
I had a dentist appointment a few weeks ago, because I was in so much pain and people forced me to go (which is good). I was told I had an abscess, but was also told that I needed to get six molars out (totally different teeth as the abscess). Anyway, about a week after the dentist I noticed that I had a bubble above the tooth that was abscessed. Eventually I think it sort of popped, and some stuff came out (gross I know) but now it's still kind of there... just not as big.
I have a dentist apt. next week, but I'm worried and I don't know if I should wait... this small bubble is now sensitive still, but in the past day and a half it's gotten weirder... like more sensitive, and it's moving further up, like I can feel pressure like fluid or something beside my nose, sort of. Like in my sinuses? But I have had NO pain headaches or anything like that. It's just that when I move or lie down or something, it gets worse and it is freakin me out.
I've heard about tooth infections spreading and doing all kinds of horrible things, even killing people. I am so worried that it's going to my brain and will kill me or something terrible.

I know I have a new apt. with a NEW dentist next week (because the other guy was terrible) but I'm worried that this guy will look it over also. I looked it up, and I thought that my old dentist should have put me on antibiotics so the infection doesn't spread? Because he didn't do that - he just made an apt. for me to get six molars out at the same time (and I heard they shouldn't do this if I have an infection because the pain stuff won't work) and then made another appt. for August.
So for certain issues (involving money too) I have a new apt with a new dentist... and of course I am absolutely terrified to walk in the door, never mind ask him all these questions.
But even more, I'm scared that this weird fluid/pressure feeling above my gums and in my sinuses is like a blood infection or something very terrible.... plus, I had a bleeding nose twice... but to be honest that could be my fault for all the poking and prodding I was doing trying to figure out where this pressure was coming from...

But, I CAN tell that the feeling I get when I press on the small bubble/abscess thing is the same feeling that shoots up towards my nose and sinuses and it's creeping me out and I feel like I'm going to die, seriously. Aren't infections serious?

So my question I guess is firstly, if this is very serious and secondly, if it can wait for my dentist apt or not... and also, what I should tell him so he doesn't just ignore this like the other dentist. Thanks.

 

[scared2bthere]

IMHO as a nonDentist you need to get on antibiotics asap. Call your old Dentist if you need to maybe an emergency number and tell them your abscess is worse and you want them to call you a script for antibiotics. If that doesn't work then see someone else asap. What about calling the new Dentist if the other isn't an option and tell them exactly that you have an abscess and you are worried. I'm not sure if anything would happen if you wait but honestly an infection needs treated and not left to chance and the treatment on the abscessed tooth will go much smoother if you've been on antibiotics before hand to calm it a bit.

 

[Zzzdentist]

I have a dentist apt. next week, but I'm worried and I don't know if I should wait... this small bubble is now sensitive still, but in the past day and a half it's gotten weirder... like more sensitive, and it's moving further up, like I can feel pressure like fluid or something beside my nose, sort of. Like in my sinuses? But I have had NO pain headaches or anything like that. It's just that when I move or lie down or something, it gets worse and it is freakin me out.
I've heard about tooth infections spreading and doing all kinds of horrible things, even killing people. I am so worried that it's going to my brain and will kill me or something terrible.

If the feeling is spreading like that, it is best to consult a dentist to see whether antibiotics might be needed. Even though it sounds like you had some pus drainage from the fistula, the infection sounds like it's not improving. A change in position can influence the sensation due to gravity and alterations in blood pressure. Although those horrible things that you hear about can happen, they are thankfully fairly rare so try not to worry too much about them. As long as you see a dentist and let them check it out, you should be okay.

I know I have a new apt. with a NEW dentist next week (because the other guy was terrible) but I'm worried that this guy will look it over also. I looked it up, and I thought that my old dentist should have put me on antibiotics so the infection doesn't spread? Because he didn't do that - he just made an apt. for me to get six molars out at the same time (and I heard they shouldn't do this if I have an infection because the pain stuff won't work) and then made another appt. for August.

Definitely let the office know what you would like taken care of first as this problem is concerning you most. If they can do it along with the other treatment, then great, but make sure they do know your concerns. Some infections can make numbing teeth difficult so yes you are correct there. Your dentist would be able to tell you whether they think it might be a problem.

So for certain issues (involving money too) I have a new apt with a new dentist... and of course I am absolutely terrified to walk in the door, never mind ask him all these questions.
But even more, I'm scared that this weird fluid/pressure feeling above my gums and in my sinuses is like a blood infection or something very terrible.... plus, I had a bleeding nose twice... but to be honest that could be my fault for all the poking and prodding I was doing trying to figure out where this pressure was coming from...

I don't think the bleeding nose would be related to your dental abscess, but as long as you are healthy most dental infections can be tolerated fairly well. Some can be nastier than others so it really needs to be assessed.

But, I CAN tell that the feeling I get when I press on the small bubble/abscess thing is the same feeling that shoots up towards my nose and sinuses and it's creeping me out and I feel like I'm going to die, seriously. Aren't infections serious?

Well the pressure on the area can illicit sensations in that area as the fluid from the abscess is draining at that point. Imagine kinda a small water balloon that's buried in some sand. If you poke the top of it, it's going to shift the fluid inside making the sand even far away from your finger move. Although it might be creepy, it most likely won't kill you. Some infections can be serious, but as long as you are feeling still fairly okay and you seek treatment sooner than later, it can be taken care of.

So my question I guess is firstly, if this is very serious and secondly, if it can wait for my dentist apt or not... and also, what I should tell him so he doesn't just ignore this like the other dentist. Thanks.

As long as the swelling isn't getting a lot bigger, you might be able to wait a few days. Generally though if you feel the infection spreading or moving to areas under your eye, etc... then call to ask the dentist in order to find out whether they can fit you in sooner to get some antibiotics or more immediate treatment. Simply tell the dentist that you are most concerned at the moment about this one particular problem, and that you wish to have it looked over first and foremost. Most dentists can take a hint!

 

[Leilia]

Thank you for the response!
I feel a lot better now.

Plus, I had an assessment the other day with this new dentist... she said if I don't have any pain now, that the infection isn't there? I hope that's right. But... the bubble is still there. But it doesn't really feel that weird anymore though.
I'm getting three of the six molars out tomorrow, and I'm very very scared. I just hope that there isn't infection, because I really don't want to feel any pain!! I'm terrified enough as it is. But I guess if I start to feel pain I can stop them, right?

Also, I have another question. I don't know if I should just ask here or start another thread. It's just a question about that laughing gas or whatever you would call it. I know this dentist doesn't prescribe hard painpills like percoset or vicoden (which is scaring me because T3's don't work and I don't know what else there is out there...) and I briefly mentioned to my mum about laughing gas, and how that atleast might help me with the procedure due to my EXTREME anxiety (and the fact that I'm not being put out or whatever you call it). She was like no, they wouldn't have laughing gas!!! And now I'm freaked... and I can imagine they might not, if they don't have other things like pain pills... like maybe this isn't something they do either? Or is that stupid?
Is there a proper name for this laughing gas and do you think most dentists use it for something like this? I am SO terrified of even sitting in the chair tomorrow, and being awake, that the only comforting thought I had was that I wouldn't care because I'd have laughing gas. Do you think they won't have it? Is there a way to ask for it, IF I muster up the nerve? Eeeeek.... I am terrified for tomorrow. I have visions of them cutting some nerve and me bleeding to death or having a seizure or it being extremely painful... I'm just terrified of dentists this isn't helping!!

 

[brit]

But I guess if I start to feel pain I can stop them, right?

Most definitely - agree a stop signal..she should be checking you are numb as she goes but a stop signal is always a good idea especially where you have had an infection.

Is there a proper name for this laughing gas and do you think most dentists use it for something like this?

It is usually referred to as nitrous oxide or N2O and is a form of conscious sedation..I have no idea how common it is in Canada. It is very common in the USA and somewhat rarer in UK except in hospitals where it is always available as 'gas and air'. Did you like this new dentist? If you did then you may not need sedation of any kind. Most medical doctors can prescribe sth to help relax you - you would have to tell the dentist what you'd taken but just because she chooses not to offer this herself doesn't mean you can't use calming drugs (is this what you mean by V3s?) if that is your preference.

You could phone the receptionist and ask about nitrous availability - I do wonder if your Mother is being totally honest on that one maybe she is trying to minimise costs???

How are your 6 teeth being replaced or are they baby teeth? (I suspect not)...are you convinced they cannot be saved with root canals because you can't put them back once they've been taken out and implants are very expensive.

 

[Leilia]

Thanks for responding. I guess that if they don't offer laughing gas or anything like that then I'd have to ask myself... my only problem is I might be too scared to ask, but that's my problem and not something other people can really help me with I guess..

I'm now getting only half of them done at a time - that's three molars at a time. They're all at the back, both top and bottom. I suppose that's why I'm so scared... it seems like such a big thing, and one of them is broken so I can imagine it might be hard to take out.
Maybe they'll see how terrified I am and give me something to help. I mean I hope they do... it's just the fact that they don't prescribe heavy pain pills that I somehow connected that to them not having other pain relief things too. But we'll see. I mean it should never really be unbearably painful ever, right? So I shouldn't worry.... right?

Oh yes, I don't know what I'm doing to replace these teeth or not... though they're all at the back, so it shouldn't be too extremely obvious to most people, I hope. There's no way they can be saved by root canal or anything - I have to get them pulled.

Ok also, I was worried about the pain medication I would take after. Since they don't prescribe percoset or vicoden, and T3's don't work for me, I was worried what I WOULD take. It's a bit too late to call the receptionist now so I would have to ask once there, if I ever found the nerve to do so. It's true that we're trying to cut cost, though also my mum just might not know what she's talking about also!

 

[brit]

They're all at the back, both top and bottom. I suppose that's why I'm so scared... it seems like such a big thing, and one of them is broken so I can imagine it might be hard to take out.

Don't worry - apparently broken down teeth without much of a crown are easier to remove since they are wiggled out.

I mean it should never really be unbearably painful ever, right? So I shouldn't worry.... right?

CORRECT you can expect a painfree experience. Ask for topical anaesthesia (numbing cream) before the local anaesthetic injections if they don't do this as a matter of course - you may feel a slight pinch if it is an awkward area or if she doesn't have the best painfree technique but it shouldn't be anything too horrendous. Once you are sure you are super numb, you will probably feel more relaxed.

Oh yes, I don't know what I'm doing to replace these teeth or not...

If you are left with enough molars for efficient chewing I suppose they don't have to be replaced. This should be discussed though don't you think?

Good luck Try to relax - I'm sure she doesn't mean you any harm - nitrous or no nitrous !

 

[Leilia]

Oh, thank you so much. I do feel a little bit better now. I suppose I will discuss later on what I'm doing for replacing the teeth, or not... or whatever. But yes, I guess all I have to do is let them know if it is hurting, and they should stop. So I really shouldn't worry too much I guess.

 

[brit]

Oh, thank you so much. I do feel a little bit better now. I suppose I will discuss later on what I'm doing for replacing the teeth, or not... or whatever. But yes, I guess all I have to do is let them know if it is hurting, and they should stop. So I really shouldn't worry too much I guess.

Yes but you are entitled to worry and ask questions. Your final point - you may have none to very little discomfort after extractions but if you do, 'over the counter' painkilling medication would usually take care of it just fine. We usually recommend you take them before any discomfort sets in as it's easier to keep at bay that way but you are young you will probably heal really quickly and easily anyway. Your medical doctor/ER can always bail you out as well after the event.