I have a back tooth (not the wisdom tooth) that broke a while ago. Now the area hurts and my cheek is swollen. It is also starting to hurt in my neck. Someone told me this is dangerous, but I just don’t have money for a dentist right now. Is it really that dangerous or is she just worrying for nothing? I do have some leftover antibiotics from a sinus infection I can take, but there are not that many left.
Mark
Dear Mark,
Your friend is correct. This is a dangerous situation. You have a tooth infection and it is already spreading. As it continues to spread upward, it can reach your brain. Or, if it goes faster the other way then you will have a situation where your neck will swell up and cut off your breathing.
I’m going to suggest you call around to some dentists to see if any will be willing to work with you financially. I have found most dentists went into their field because they want to help people. This will especially be true in dental emergency situations such as yours. I’d call around and explain your situation. Someone will allow you to make payments and get you the treatment you need.
The antibiotics won’t work. Different antibiotics are effective with different types of infections. However, even if it was the “right” antibiotic, a full course is only a very temporary solution. There are only two ways to really treat an infected tooth. The first is a root canal treatment, which is preferable so the tooth can be saved. The second is an extraction.
Please don’t put this off any longer.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.