Gum/tooth pain

[belinda167]

I have an older root canal/crown on the back molar on the bottom right side of my mouth.  The molar in front of this tooth is missing, and on the left side the back bottom two molars are missing.  During the last month, my chewing habits have  changed, as I am await getting either a partial on the left or implant on the right.  The tooth that is the root canal and the gum around that tooth is very swollen and so painful that most of the right side of my mouth is painful.  I am unable to relieve this pain with traditional pain meds (aleve, ibuprofen).  I am unable to see the dentist until next week.  Is there anything, preferably a natural remedy, that can help until I get to the dentist?  He suggested that I go to the ER, but I feel they will give me an antibiotic (which I have) and prescribe pain meds, which I really don't want to take.  Please help.

[StratRebel]

What of most you mentioned sounds like an infection, but its possible you might have TMJ issues as well.  Your dentist would be able to access that for you.

[belinda167]

Thanks for the information.  I have some pain relievers, so will take them until I get in on Tuesday.  Since the tooth concerned is an old root canal, could some of this be due to tmj issues?  I tend to be grinding excessively late.  

[StratRebel]

Well, thats all the ER is usually capable of doing with the mouth, antibiotics and painkillers.  Oragel might help the gums, but for the tooth there is not much to do other than remove the problem.  Scan the internet or check with your state dental board to see if there are dentists working on saturday or emergency dental clinics open.