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Tooth root abscess

(31 Posts)
Drama Sun 04-May-25 17:07:21

Hi. I wondered if anyone could advise me?,
I had a checkup at the dentist last week and she found a tooth abcess when she xrayed as I was feeling pain if I pushed on the tooth. Lower front tooth.
Root canal is not an option as the tooth is in poor condition and there is severe gum recession. I will opt for extraction and will have the one next to it extracted as well.
I have had a 5 day course of Amoxicillin which doesn't seem to have helped.
My problem is that I am going on holiday (UK) in 4 weeks time and I don't want to go while not having front teeth. Vanity!
I will get it extracted in about 5 weeks time.
Has anyone left it that long to have an abscess treated? I know that can flare up very quickly.
I have to have a filling next week on another tooth so will discuss it with dentist but any opinions would be gratefully received.

4allweknow Fri 09-May-25 15:56:21

Antibiotics don't akways clear infections. Your dentist can take an impression prior to you having the extraction and should be able to have a denture fitted before your holiday. Would strongly advise extraction before your holiday (insurance probably wouldn't cover if you became ill as known problem).

Drama Fri 09-May-25 18:55:37

Thanks everyone. Especially Madmeg, who I send good wishes to.
I have been through cancer treatment myself, so I understand all the anxiety etc.
Have visited dentist today and was calmed down!
I am having the the two fron teeth extracted and immediate denture. It will take 4 weeks, so just have to hope for the best with my holiday, which is only a few days and fortunately in the UK.
Dentist says the abscess is very small but could erupt very quickly and advised a visit to an emergency dentist for antibiotics if it comes to the worst! Not ideal but I would lose £400 if I don't go. I'll judge the risk the day before I leave.
My dentist is private, so it's costing an arm and a leg anyway!!

welbeck Fri 09-May-25 22:02:31

Couldn't he have given you antibiotics just in case anyway.
I realise you would have to pay for them.
Anyway hope it's all OK.

Bobba Fri 09-May-25 22:36:05

I was in the same situation last year- about to have 2 weeks in Spain with an excruciating abscess. I got 2 different types of antibiotics from the dentist- amoxicillin and metronidazole and had the tooth out when I returned. The tooth never felt quite right during the holiday, and the antibiotics affected my digestion so badly I had to get very expensive probiotics for 3 months after. In addition, the dentist made me a little mouthguard with a fake tooth, so when I wore it, you couldn’t see that the tooth was missing. I had to take it out to eat, but it was great for photos.

Allsorts Sat 10-May-25 22:54:07

Some on you have suffered so much and it scares me having anything wrong with my teeth. I've had problems but nothing like some of you. I would never leave an abscess, never, certainly not for a holiday, I am not undermining how our looks matter to all if us, but health comes first. . How could you enjoy a few days away knowing something awful might happen. The dentist gave his opinion, but that's not cast in stone. Health is wealth.