Think I may have a small abscess, what to do?

Splinters

As it says on the tin folks. Ive had a slight pain in my lower teeth over the past few days, nothing major but I did notice it there, and now Im after waking up this morning with it quite noticably worse (its not agony but certainly noticable). I had a look in the mirror and can notice a very slight swelling in my gum behind my front lower teeth. I can also feel it with my tongue that it feels kinda hard (for gums anyway).

A friend had an abscess a few years back and had a bit of a nightmare with it so that probably has be paranoid. Short of actually taking a picture of it for you all does this sound like it could be the start of an abscess?

Im one of these people that doesnt usually go for medical help unless its falling off so Im completely clueless about dentists. Im 29 now and havent been to a dentist since I was 15 or 16. I do keep good care of my teeth though and have never really felt a need to until now.

What are the options? Just walk into my local dentist and sign up a s a patient? A work colleague told me theres a dental college near trinity that do reduced fee dental treatment but is that only for tcd student? Does anyone have any experience of what this may cost to treat?

Apologies for all the naive questions but I havent a clue about this stuff so Im hoping the good folks of boards may have some useful advice.

gcgirl

The dental hospital near trinners is good it has an a&e part too

Shazanne

If you even THINK you may have an abscess then get yourself to a dentist asap!
They are horrible! I have two children and would go through childbirth any day rather than get another dental abscess:eek:
I am not trying to scare you - you have obviously caught this in time or you would not be coming on here to ask about it. Just please dont let it develop any further.
Best of luck:)

Kosseegan

Abscess makes the heart grow fonder!

interested01

Splinters wrote: »

As it says on the tin folks. Ive had a slight pain in my lower teeth over the past few days, nothing major but I did notice it there, and now Im after waking up this morning with it quite noticably worse (its not agony but certainly noticable). I had a look in the mirror and can notice a very slight swelling in my gum behind my front lower teeth. I can also feel it with my tongue that it feels kinda hard (for gums anyway).

A friend had an abscess a few years back and had a bit of a nightmare with it so that probably has be paranoid. Short of actually taking a picture of it for you all does this sound like it could be the start of an abscess?

Im one of these people that doesnt usually go for medical help unless its falling off so Im completely clueless about dentists. Im 29 now and havent been to a dentist since I was 15 or 16. I do keep good care of my teeth though and have never really felt a need to until now.

What are the options? Just walk into my local dentist and sign up a s a patient? A work colleague told me theres a dental college near trinity that do reduced fee dental treatment but is that only for tcd student? Does anyone have any experience of what this may cost to treat?

Apologies for all the naive questions but I havent a clue about this stuff so Im hoping the good folks of boards may have some useful advice.

Hello S.
Like the others say, get your a** down to a dentist. It's not difficult, ask any of your friends who take care of their teeth which dentist they recommend, pick up the phone, call and ask for an appointment, tell the receptionist you are having a problem and I pretty much guarantee you you will be offered an appointment within 24hrs. When you are seen you will have an exam, usually some xrays and then you should be given a reason for your problem and any other things found. A treatment (or options) will be explained as well as costs. If you are happy with all that then agree whatever treatment you want, make appointments etc and then the ball starts rolling. If urgent treatment is needed then you might have something done there and then, IF that's what you decide.
The Dublin Dental Hospital does have an emergency department, you can just turn up but, like every other hospital in the country, you are guaranteed to be waiting 'some considerable time' also you will only get emergency treatment and advice to attend your own dentist, if you ask to be treated in the hospital you will be put on a wait list and we all know how that goes.
If you havn't been for a dental health check for 15years then . . . well lets face it, you did that to your car it just wouldn't go. Most dentists are probably nice people so get yourself down and get yourself healthy.
Good luck.

Shazanne

Hi. Considering Splinters posted this message on January 18th I would certainly hope that he/she has been to the dentist by now!!!:eek: