Severe tooth pain

[kelpie]

I am in SEVERE pain! I went to the dentist and he said I have an absceeed tooth that needs a root canal. He prescribed amoxicillan and metronidazole as well as tylenol#3. I am taking these as prescribed, yet am still in agonizing pain. The pain seems to subside for maybe 5 minutes, but then comes back in waves, that shoot pain up to my ear and all through my cheek. I have a root canal scheduled for a month from now, since the infection apparently needs to lessen before they can fix the tooth. Any suggestions on how to make the pain stop? or at least be more bearable? Should I get a second opinion?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I do not think you should be waiting a month if you are in this much discomfort. Find someone who will treat you asap.

[mike1105]

it is quite possible that as a first step the tooth should be opened so the infection can drain. this is the first step of a root canal and then the treatment is finished after the antibiotics work. Opening the tooth to allow drainage is a customary first step.