I have a tooth with a root canal treatment and a tiny fracture. Now there is an abscess and I am absolutely miserable. I went to see my dentist and he felt the tooth needed to be extracted. He does not do extractions himself, simply because he doesn’t enjoy them, but he did refer me to an oral surgeon, who took two more weeks before he could see me. All this time I have been miserable and the infection has been getting worse. I went to see him and he agreed that the tooth did need to be extracted. However, he cannot fit me in for over three weeks. It has only been a couple of days and now the side of my cheek is swollen. I don’t think I can make it three more weeks like this. Is it absolutely necessary for me to wait? Is it reasonable to try and find another oral surgeon?
Emily
Dear Emily,
There is absolutely no reason to wait. In fact, I think it would be irresponsible for them to make you wait. I would start by calling your dentist and letting him know of the situation. Insist he recommend someone who can get you in right away. These type of tooth infections, especially one that is spreading as yours is, are considered to be a dental emergency. It needs to be seen to.
If your dentist does not get someone for you, then take action yourself. This tooth needs to be extracted. You don’t necessarily have to see an oral surgeon. Many general dentists do tooth extractions regularly. In the meantime, someone needs to write you a prescription for some antibiotics. This will get the infection under control.
It will also protect you from it spreading even futher. You do not want it to spread to your brain. Bear in mind the antibiotics will not cure the problem. That will require the extraction. Once the antibiotics run out you will have no protection.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.