Abscess tooth

[pjamaica]

I believe I have an abcess tooth.  I lost part of a filling on Tuesday and contacted the dentist, but they cannot see me for two weeks.  Over the past two days, my cheek has swollen and my gum above the tooth is the size of a ping pong.  I have amoxicillin at home so I bagan taking that and rinsing with salt water per stuff i read on the web, but the swelling has not gone down and i can't get a hold of my dentist until monday.  Should I go to the emergency room or would they tell me the same thing?  I just don't know what to do at this point.  Thanks.

[Kismet915]

I just have went though the same situation, except my dentist wanted to file down my bridge when I couldn't even open my mouth! I went to the emergency room finally and received another antibiotic and mild pain reliever. My pain went on for 9 days. ER doctor did not seem concerned enough to do blood work. I was swollen on jaw, under chin, glands under tongue were swollen up to meet back of tongue. I couldn't speak, eat and my throat was so sore I couldn't swallow. I know your post is older so I hope you found relief. This type of dental pain is the worst pain ever  my dentist had no concept or caring of my pain level and said he would get me in his office within the next week. Within the next week! After my throat started swelling I was afraid of Sepsis is when I decided to go to ER. I wish the ER doctor would have been more thorough. They look at dental pain as non medical but pain and possible death is very medical and serious. Blue Cross Nurse told me to always go to the ER when swelling of the lymph nodes was present.

[HMASS2015]

I have a severe abscess tooth on the lower left side of my mouth. I have been to the ER and the dentist. I'm on antibiotics (clindamycin) 600mg ibuprofen and hydrocodone for pain. My dentist scheduled me an appointment to have the tooth pulled next Friday but since taking the antibiotics the whole left side of my face is extremely swollen my lips are severely swollen to the point I can't eat can barely drink and can't sleep. I'm in an excruciating amount of pain and none of my medicine is helping not to mention not only is my jaw swollen as well as under it but my neck is too all the way down to my chest. I was just wondering how long I should let this go on before I call somebody (dentist or doctor). Please help!

[samurphy]

(Old question, but I'll answer to my ability for anyone who might be in a similar situation)

I'd probably find another dentist who can at least look at you for an emergency consult.  My concern would be if the abcess breaks, you could be looking at serious consequences then.  I'd stay on your amox, possibly see if you could find a doctor or dentist who would at least give you a proper prescription for a couple weeks (3 per day) of novamoxin 500s.  

All else fails, head to the emergency room before you end up with a seriously bad day.