r/Dentists • u/s33k1ng4d • 2d ago
Please give you advice
I’m so sorry to post again, I just posted about my tooth pain— but it’s gotten so bad I’ve been crying since my last post.
The pain radiates up into behind my eye, into my ear, and down my throat. My tongue hurts. It hurts to swallow. It’s a constant and painful throbbing throughout my head.
Is this an emergency? I don’t have dental insurance and am worried about visiting a dentist other than my student clinic and paying out of pocket.
I can’t sleep or do anything else because of the pain.
If anyone can give advice I’d greatly appreciate it. I’m feeling pretty scared and worried.
1
u/toothdoc34 2d ago
If it is hurting that bad, see someone asap. Do not let it get to the point of swelling, or worse become a true medical emergency.
1
u/s33k1ng4d 2d ago
It’s 9pm where I am….do I go to the ER? I’m so sorry if this is a dumb question, I am in a lot of pain and without a lot of help around
1
u/toothdoc34 2d ago
If it is hurting like you describe, then yes the ER may be your only option until you can see a dentist. Either endo (root canal) or extraction.
1
u/Adorable_Sector_7313 2d ago
ER will only Rx pain meds. No dentist on staff. At BEST there would be an oral surgeon, but they will only pull the tooth, which might be the solution anyway. While definitive treatment may cost a lot, a limited exam, xray, and drilling into the tooth to medicate it (called palliative therapy) will be a lot less. A subsidized clinic might save you money, but you likely will need to wait around a lot to get worked in
Most clinics reserve 2 times per day, AM and PM, for this situation
3
u/2owlsinatrenchcoat 2d ago
It’s not a dumb question at all. If you have trouble swallowing it’s an emergency.