I’ve had a toothache for 2 weeks. I felt it bothering me in my sleep last night, and my mouth was very dry. I woke up this morning, and when I went to the bathroom, the whole left side of my face was swollen, and my eye was almost swollen shut. It hurts so bad to open my mouth to brush my teeth, and I have to sip water from a straw because I can’t open it wide enough for a cup. I am starting to feel weak, too. I am terrified of the dentist, so I am in this mess. Is there anything at all I can do to make the swelling go away without going to a dentist? – Delia
Delia,
Dr. Thomas would need to x-ray and examine your tooth for an accurate diagnosis. But your description seems to reflect a severe tooth infection that will adversely affect your health without root canal treatment. And your symptoms show that the condition is getting worse. You cannot treat the tooth yourself.
Will Antibiotics Get Rid of a Tooth Infection?
Although some patients take a pain reliever or antibiotics to get rid of an infection, those medications only mask the problem. A root canal treatment is the only way to clear the infection from your tooth.
Find a dentist who accepts emergency visits and explain your anxiety. A dentist who offers sedation will understand your fear and get you the help you need right away. The dentist can give you sedation to calm you for your dental procedure. They will also relieve your pain before root canal treatment and ensure you have a painless process.
If you need assistance, ask someone for help finding a dentist who takes emergency issues who is also a sedation dentist.
You didn’t mention your location, but we welcome you to give us a call if you are near our office.
Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.