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toothache

25yo w/sle & fibromyalgia

When working on one of my teeth (#12), my dentist said I may need a root canal. The tooth didn't really bother me until last Friday (3 months later). It felt like the tooth was stabbing me in the jaw with a knife. The tooth and jaw both hurt, from the joint to the nose and went as high up as the cheek bone. The pain was so bad, I couldn't do anything but lie in bed. I tried pain medication, Oragel, and everything else people suggested. The only thing that helped, I discovered on Saturday, was ice (and not talking or eating). Sunday, the general, all-the-time pain was a little better, but I'd get a sharp, kill-me-now kind of pain if the tooth was touched and the whole area would hurt if I talked. I also developed a slight fever (which isn't very abnormal for me). I planned to go to the dentist as soon as possible, but when Monday came, the tooth and general pain felt a lot better (as long as I didn't talk too much or let my upper and lower teeth touch). I put off going to the dentist 'cause I just can't afford it.

At first, the pain was bad enough that I was sure I had an absessed tooth. When the pain got a little better, I thought maybe the absess was leaking, relieving the pressure. Now the tooth feels almost normal. What the heck happened and should I be concerned? Do I need to go to the dentist? (please say no)
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Avatar universal
Awe nuts.

Thanks!
Helpful - 0
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Sorry.  I have to say yes that you do and that you probably need a root canal on that tooth given what your previous dentist said and how your pain symptoms are.  It sounds like you have what we call irreversible pulpitis with probably an acute apical periodontitis.  Basically the nerve inside the pulp is irritated and probably infected.  The infection has spread down to the root and is affected the jaw area.  

Sorry again.  But you should definitely address it before it becomes an abscess.
Helpful - 0

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