5 weeks and counting...

Mr E

I've had a mixture of toothache and headache for 5 weeks now.

At the start I had a slight toothache that got worse over the course of the week. So I went to the dentist. He said the tooth would have to come out, but there was an infection there that would have to clear up first. Got a week of antibiotics, went back, infection still wasn't gone.

Another week of a different antibiotic, went back, and got the tooth out. That was the week before last. Had a really crap weekend that week (serious headache/holeache where the tooth was) - so bad that I went into the local petrol station at 5am on a sunday morning for more painkillers.

Back to the dentist first thing that Monday morning. He had a look, said the infection may not have fully cleared up. Gave me a 5 day half-strength course of the drug I was on. Another week headache/gumache, so I went back last Friday. Infection still there, more antibiotics, another rough weekend.

I'm going back tomorrow, and I'll be pretty annoyed if he prescribes more antibiotics.

Without breaking the "no medical advice" rule, does this looks like anything else to anyone? Is it normal for an infection to resist 4 courses of pills? The gum is still a bit swollen at the back. Should I be asking different questions of my dentist (or even trying a different dentist for a second opinion?). A friend of mine thinks I should just go to a doctor at this stage.

All advice welcome (within the constraints of the forum charter).

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Some infections are indeed persistent and can linger after the offending tooth is removed. Also you may have a dry socket after the extraction that lingers another 2 weeks or so. Without knowing clinical details it is impossible to know. Maybe a second opinion iw in order if you have lost confidence with you dentist.....:(

Mr E

Thanks for that. I haven't lost confidence, I just wanted to see if he was doing all that he could do.

After 4 weeks of antibiotics (and asprin), my blood will be like water and my immune system is probably in bits. I'd like to get this sorted ASAP.

georgieporgy

A bad case of dry socket usually sets in about 2-3 days after the extraction and then lasts about 2 weeks.

The fact the area was badly infected beforehand just increases the likelyhood of drysocket. Usually a very unpleasant painful experience.
antibiotics only help a little bit unfortunately.

a real bad infection can spread a bit more to adjacent bone and take longer to heal.(osteomyelitis) I think you are better sticking with the original dentist who knows the history. I wouldn't panic till about 4 weeks after the EXTRACTION. It may not be perfect then but it should be MUCH improved, and if it isn't- well- tell us about it then

Mr E

Cheers georgie.