Abscess worry.

[babsal]

I currently have a jaw/tooth abcess. My dentist has given me strong anti biopics yesterday. Problem is that my tongue is swollen and one side of my face swollen too,
I can't eat and can barely drink, I have type 2diabetes on metformin and glikazide, so need to eat. Fell really quite ill with this so any advice would be really helpful
Louise.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

My advice is to go the hospital emergency department today, because I'm not certain your dentist has done the right thing. Surely an abscess involving the jaw and a tooth is more serious than just going home and taking antibiotics? I've never had one but I've heard a few stories of people having them, and they always seemed to get a tooth taken out, or minor surgery done to drain the abscess. I have had an abscess elsewhere on the body and it was very painful, with a high fever, and I needed surgery to drain it.

It sounds really painful for you. A doctor might give you strong pain meds, or even admit you to hospital for IV antibiotics and other treatment. I think at the very least a second opinion from a dentist is needed, and seeing a doctor might be even better. You could have quite a fever. I hope you get some help asap.

In the meantime, holding some ice cubes in a bag on the side of your face might ease the pain and swelling. Drinking pureed food through a straw might be possible? Small spoonfuls of scrambled egg?

 

[numan43]

I've had quite a few abscesses over the years, all have been treated by antibiotics from dentist before he/she can extract or whatever

 

[CarbsRok]

You need to contact your dentist asp as could be the abscess or an allergy to the antibiotic.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I've had quite a few abscesses over the years, all have been treated by antibiotics from dentist before he/she can extract or whatever

Did they involve the jaw as well as the tooth, and did you have tongue and facial swelling? It sounds very painful

 

[numan43]

Did they involve the jaw as well as the tooth, and did you have tongue and facial swelling? It sounds very painful

yes and i did go back to dentist when it seemed to get worse but all i was told is nothing can be done till antibiotics clears the infection

 

[ButtterflyLady]

yes and i did go back to dentist when it seemed to get worse but all i was told is nothing can be done till antibiotics clears the infection

Ok thanks, good to know. I imagine this condition can be problem in diabetics since our bodies can take longer to clear infections.

 

[babsal]

Well started antibiotics on Thursday. Am still in incredible pain, even my normal dose of oramorph is not helping. Must admit it has stopped swelling and I can now suck soup with a straw. On the other side, so maybe this is the turning point. Thank you so much for all of your help .

 

[ButtterflyLady]

Well started antibiotics on Thursday. Am still in incredible pain, even my normal dose of oramorph is not helping. Must admit it has stopped swelling and I can now suck soup with a straw. On the other side, so maybe this is the turning point. Thank you so much for all of your help .

Glad things are improving, but sorry to hear about the level of pain. Can you ask for more pain meds for a few days?