Sudden Toothache Disrupted My Sleep
I’ve never experienced such excruciating discomfort before. Recently, I had a standard dental cleaning accompanied by a fluoride treatment. Although I felt some lingering sensitivity in the areas they examined, that sensation had subsided. Just for reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, a drinker, but I don’t smoke. There’s a specific tooth on the upper left side of my mouth, which is the fourth one from the back. My dentist had previously mentioned that it might require a root canal, but ultimately he chose to simply redo the filling and sent me home. This appointment was back in September. Fast forward to 4 AM, and I awoke in agony. Just before falling asleep, I had used a floss pick, even though I usually dislike them, due to dozing off on the couch; I was simply too exhausted to use my water flosser. During that process, it felt as if something had gotten lodged between my teeth, but I didn’t feel any pain, so I went to sleep without further thought. Once I woke up, I instinctively probed the affected area and immediately recognized it was the same tooth causing my distress. Just the slightest bite brings me back into a realm of pain that I’ve learned to manage by avoiding contact. I intend to contact the dental office that handled my cleaning as soon as they open, but I can’t help but gear up for bad news, right? And to put a spin on it, I recently landed a new job, but while they do accept my insurance provider, they don’t take my specific plan type. So, I’m contemplating whether I should skip my usual dentist and head straight to the endodontist he suggested initially. Is that even allowed? (I’m located in the USA) My anxiety about health matters is running high and I fear that if I walk in, they might just start drilling immediately without any confirmation or thorough checks. I’m set to leave for a cruise at the end of the month, so I’m desperate to resolve this issue quickly. Thank you in advance for any advice!
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 2:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with such intense tooth pain, especially at a time when you have so much going on. It’s good that you plan to reach out to your dental office soon, as addressing dental pain promptly is important. Here's a breakdown of your situation:
Main Points:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially after previous dental work, may indicate a need for further assessment.
- You can see an endodontist if you're anxious about your current dentist and your insurance allows it.
- Immediate measures can help manage your pain while seeking treatment.
Explanation:
The discomfort you're experiencing could be due to several reasons, such as the possibility of an infection or a more complicated issue with the tooth itself (like root damage or further decay). The fact that you had a filling done and that your dentist previously suggested it might require a root canal indicates that it could be serious. Using a floss pick may have caused some irritation or may have exacerbated an existing issue.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Dental Office: Since you've already decided to reach out to your dental office, do this as soon as possible to explain your severe pain. They may prioritize you for an emergency appointment.
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Consider Seeing an Endodontist: If you can obtain a referral or if your insurance allows, going directly to the endodontist can be a good idea since they specialize in treating dental pain related to the pulp and root of the tooth.
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Pain Management: To manage your discomfort while waiting for your appointment, you can:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package. This can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe the area.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, particularly hard or crunchy foods.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes. If you notice swelling, fever, or the pain worsening, that information will be important for your dentist or endodontist.
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Prepare for Your Visit: To ease your anxiety about the dental visit:
- Write down your symptoms and any questions or concerns you have to discuss with the dentist.
- Consider bringing a friend or family member for additional support.
I understand that dental pain and the potential for further treatments can be very anxiety-inducing, especially with an upcoming cruise. However, addressing the issue sooner rather than later will help you manage both your dental health and your upcoming plans. Let me know if you have any further questions or if there are other concerns you'd like to discuss!
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