zabeth

Hi Alexa,

I'm glad you went to the ER! I have an aversion to doctors also, and actually saw dentist for the first time in my life last month. My husband pleaded with me for three days before I finally gave in. And let me tell you, I was in some pain.

Your antibiotic should kick in in a day or two, and you'll feel so much better when it does. I understand not liking medicine, but make sure that you *take* that until it's completely gone, otherwise the infection WILL come back and it will probably hurt worse. As for the percocet, some people do become addicted but I wouldn't worry about it unless you've noticed you have addictive tendencies. If the pain is still hitting you hard, I would definitely take one to get it under control. Then you can probably stick to the Motrin, if you prefer. I used to take 800mg of Advil when the pain flared up, and it did work wonders so long as I took it when the pain wasn't at it's peak. But if the pain *was* intense, it wouldn't work.

Are you wary of all medicine, or are you okay with homeopathic/natural treatments? If you are, see if you can get some clove oil (or is it oil of cloves? same thing, I guess). If you apply a little (and I do mean a little!) to the tooth that hurts, it's supposed to really numb the pain. I have not done this myself but know people who swear by it. I think it's one of the numbing agents in things like Anbesol and Orajel but much stronger in its pure form. Do not get it on your gums. Also, if you're not doing salt water rinses, they should help fight the infection and soothe the pain a little, too. Use half a teaspoon of salt in *warm* water.

I wouldn't go back to the hospital unless something else occurs or new symptoms pop up. If you're concerned, try calling and speaking to a nurse, who may be able to address your concerns without making you go in and sit in a waiting room for hours. Don't worry about sleeping, you'll be fine - and remember, the less sleep you get, the more stress you put on your body, and the more stress you put on your body, the harder the infection is to fight.

Wow, $345! I live upstate, and prices are much more reasonable where I am but I had $1,600 worth of extractions and x-rays done this month, and I'm due for another $1,400 in work when we can afford it. I ended up losing eight teeth in two visits, which is terribly embarassing to admit

I hope you're looking for a new dentist. I'm so happy that I got a good one the first time around.