night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
|
|
I need 7 root canals and crowns. The reason it has gotten so bad is that I have not had dental insurance and each root canal and crow-n costs about $1400. I've had 2 done to date and one I never did get the crowns on due to cost.
I have dental coverage now (full coverage of non-aesthetic dental/ortho work through Delta Dental) but I haven't received my card yet. No dentist will treat me until the insurance is verifiable.
So...the problem is that at least 2 of the affected molars are half or more gone (broken at gum line) and are causing me tremendous pain and swelling up my face. I spoke with my doc about this 2 weeks ago and at the time the pain wasn't unbearable as long as I avoided too-hot, too-cold or too-hard-to-chew foods. Now, however, the pain is waking me up at night, makes eating difficult at best (I'm on my 3rd day without a real meal) and it just sucks.
Do you think an ER would help out with the pain knowing I have insurance coming within a week or two? My doctor told me that the ERs are highly suspicious of dental pain and probably wouldn't do much for me (especially since there are no emergency dentists on the payroll--why not, by the way???) My appointment with my primary doc isn't for another 10 days and I still don't know if he'll prescribe for something another doctor needs to treat.
My pain is easily verifiable...one look at my mouth and it wouldn't be difficult to see that I am in genuine pain.
ANY IDEAS ANYONE??? I cannot afford to buy meds online right now, so that's not an option and my methadone dose is insufficient to help with pain.
Many thanks in advance!!!
night_shade
PS--DB keeps putting (best if kept off the board) when I use the word c-r-o-w-n....bizarre!!!
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
|
chevygal
Veteran
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 504
Loc: Way down south
|
|
Dental pain!!!
Sorry you are dealing with this. I have been thru more Best if kept off the board with my mouth than carters has pills. I have had 11 teeth pulled.(couldn't afford root canals) Yes I have a replacement  I have had my six front teeth(the only ones left) capped all at the same time which was about more than I could handle. Anyway, back to your mouth. I sympathise totally and know just how painful it can be. If there is swelling and infection you should be able to call a dentist and get looked at (even on the weekend) stating it is an emergancy and they should give you pain meds and an antibiotic. Usually if there is infection they will not pull or do a root canal until you have taken a course of antibiotics, that has been my experience. When I would finally have to call a dentist my infection was usually really bad and very obvious. Ya know, you could call the er and speak with the nurse and tell her you have an infected tooth with swelling and are in terrible pain and see if the doctor would at least start ya on antib. and give you something for the pain cause advil just ain't cutting it. Otherwise, call your dentist back and tell him things have gone from bad to worse. Usually they will phone something in for ya, if not that, they should have a look at you.
I would surly think someone would help you, I know how painful it is. Good luck to you, and please be careful with infection in your mouth, even a tooth. They seem to get bad pretty fast.
chevygal
|
voyager
Old Hand
Reged: 04/17/03
Posts: 413
Loc: United States Virgin Islands
|
|
If you have a swollen mandible (jaw) and the er doc can look inside and see that there is inflammation, then I think they would be glad to give you some liquid 7.5/500 lortab.
Just make sure you haven't been to the same er for previous complaints in the past seeking narcotics without verifiable records. Then it will be a prescription for motrin and a one way ticket out the door.
|
Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
|
|
Call around and find a dentist that will get you in- the insurance can be verified later!! Tell them to bill you. Your problems should not go untreated and the longer they do, the more risk you're putting yourself into! Also- is there a dental school close to you? They usually will do the work for half the price- take your insurance AND you'll get quality work. Remember- they're students and they're being graded on their work! It makes them that much more cautious  Good luck and get it taken care of asap!
--------------------
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
|
night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
|
|
Thanks for the support! The problem is, I don't have a regular--or even an old dentist. I haven't had insurance for years and the one I was seeing for minor things had a falling out with my then husband with an unpaid bill (that WAS paid!!!) So, I'm SOL for dentists and it's been 2 years since I was last seen by one.
No dentist here will bill you. It's pay up front or forget it. They also charge $50 to $100 extra (not covered by insurance) as "emergency" fees.
I rarely go to the ER, so I'm not worried about what they might think about past complaints (and I've never been there for tooth issues.) But I AM on methadone and that almost always ixnays my chances for anything other than ibuprofen.
I already take Motrin 800mgs 3 times a day for arthralgia, and that just isn't cutting it. I DO have lidocaine (boyfriend had serious burn) injectable, but have NO CLUE what I would do with it. I certainly wouldn't try injecting it into the tooth or gum...but I wonder if it would help topically. I just don't know enough about it to judge its safety of effectiveness.
I've also tried using straight Bacardi (on a cotton ball on the tooth) as somebody suggested this to me...no difference...and I NEVER drink alcohol. I also tried aspirin, Aleve, and plain old Tylenol. No luck.
Anybody have any home remedies?
The other thing I forgot to mention earlier is that due to an auto accident (face meets steering wheel situation) I developed problems with my mandibular joint -cracks and pops with ANY movement and muscles so tense I am lucky if I can get one finger between my front teeth when my jaw is open fully. I also grind my teeth hard enough to have worn the enamel down quite visibly while I sleep.
I REFUSE TO TAKE BENZOS OR BARBS!!! I have a bad enough physical addiction to methadone, thank you very much! So, besides surgery, I'm stuck with the TMJ issues. This is contributing greatly, I imagine to the overnight tooth pain issues (especially since one of the affected teeth is the last molar on the top left being ground into the other really bad one--the last molar on the bottom left). But still there is noticable swelling to my gums and cheek from the 2 REALLY painful teeth.
I'm going to try to wait until tomorrow to get something as I am home alone and I guess coming into the Er for pain issues by yourself is another "sign" that you may be drug seeking. I swear, our ER's are the most horrible places...but then again, this IS the land of the 10,000 treatment centers!
Regards!
night_shade
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
|
Dysfunction
Journeyman
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 77
|
|
wow, i have total sympathy for you! i had a very painful dry socket after having several teeth removed (btw, the dentist of course gave me NO prescriptions for pain meds after my visits, i have TMJ as well, and i was a horrible patient, in tears the entire time & could feel everything even with several shots of novicaine. eeek. i would have asked for prescriptions, but i couldn't even talk after the procedure) anyway, several days later, i was in horrible pain again from a dry socket & it was a saturday... i even called the dentist at home, but he didn't answer. we called the ER about my problem & they told me to come right in. i was given 20 5mg hydros and was directed to take 2 every 4 hours. it didn't seem to be a big deal, the doctor who saw me did say, "you know, your dentist has a prescription pad as well..." and reminded me to call my dentist first thing monday morning. maybe you can call the ER first & see what they have to say.
good luck! i went several months with terrible tooth pain, infections, etc and tried every home remedy that was suggested, but nothing helped. and orajel just made it even more painful for some reason.
|
chevygal
Veteran
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 504
Loc: Way down south
|
|
Hey
I did forget one home remedy. A tea bag. boil it and steep it, squeeze excess liquid out and put on the tooth and/or gum while still hot. Not too hot though. A doctors wife I use to clean for told me that. I never did try it as mine was always way beyond being helped by that. It can't hurt to try it. anyone else heard of this?
chevygal
|
USA247
Newbie
Reged: 09/04/03
Posts: 27
|
|
Sorry to hear that you are n so much pain.I also have some very bad teeth.Have you tried any Oral Jel? Also I have heard that cloves will help ease the pain,but do not use a lot because it could cause gun to get sore.The ER doctor offer gave me some Tylenol 3.Also try flavoring that is used in baking on a cotton ball to ease your pain.I know how dental pain really hurts.Hope you feel better very soon.
|
prettyday
Threadhead
Reged: 02/09/03
Posts: 924
Loc: Coastal Sage Scrub
|
|
I think I would go in to the ER with this problem, because research has recently shown that dental problems don't just affect your mouth and sanity.
Not to scare the Hades out of you, but there is now a solid link between bacterial infection of the gums and heart infections. I'm not a doctor. I forget the wording. But let's just say there is more at stake than pain here, and maybe if you go in to the ER with that fear as well and explain you don't know where to turn before this gets worse and you are worried about infection, you will get a more sympathetic and helpful reponse.
Be prepared also to know that a lot of doctors equate chronic tooth problems with long-term opiate use; as one does produce less saliva while taking these meds. Just a heads-up; so you will be able to tell them the truth; it's a divorce problem.
good luck sweetie 
--------------------
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi
|
penzam1535
Member
Reged: 12/24/02
Posts: 169
Loc: between Syracuse and Buffalo
|
|
Clove Oil, tastes like Best if kept off the board, but worked wonder on my dry socket, hope that helps...... 
|
GAPeach
Newbie
Reged: 03/25/02
Posts: 29
Loc: USA - Georgia
|
|
Oh wow - read your post and could totally relate to what all you are going through. I have a lot of experience with root canals. First thing - do you have any antibiotics on hand? Penicillian? Amoxicillian? Keflex? Anything? I know you'll think this statement crazy - But...antibiotics are more important than the pain meds (not meaning to sound like you don't need pain meds - cause you do). But if you have any on hand at least you can start treating the infection. Once you get the infection under control the pain will ease some what. There is nothing worse than this kind of pain - you can't think straight from it. I agree with one post about the infection leading to other infections - it happened to me. Every time I would have a tooth "blow up" in 2 weeks from the episode I'd end up in the ER with Strep Throat - it wasn't until an ER doc asked if I had had any dental problems did it click the 2 might be related illnesses.
Anyway - sorry I'm rambling - but I would go to ER and get something for the infection and I'm sure they would prescribe something for the pain. Also - Is there a teaching hospital near you? Where I live we have one and you can go for free or on a sliding scale payment plan.
A while back there was a post about this very topic and I believe someone said something about placing a steeped tea bag between you tooth and gum and that would ease the pain???? Never tried it - but hey! when you are in that kind of pain and no pain meds - anything is worth a shot!
Sure hope you find the help you need and that you are feeling better. Let me know how you're doing.
Take Care...Scarlett
|
Box_of_Rain
Banned=more than one account
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 111
Loc: Pacific Northwest
|
|
I haven't read all the replies (I don't have that much patience as my signature would properly imply) but I did think of a few things for you. (if I am reiterating someone's advice, apologies)
Why can this Dental facility not call your dental insurance providor and confirm benefits?!?!? They usually do this ANYWAY. WTF? How anal retentive of them, and sadistic I might add. If barking up this tree is out
There are some decent topicals that can sufficiently aid in minor toothaches, however I don't think this applies... anything is worth a shot though. There is a lidocaine topical available by prescription - and no doctor would bat an eye prescribing it. How about Clove? I think Clove oil (or some derivative) is used in dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction - which is a horrible menace, enough so that an oral surgeon handed over demerol for me when I called in freaked out about said dry socket. so there must be something to this clove theory, although I am painfully unknowledgeable about it obviously. (no pun intended)
I assume no Primary Care Physician is in a position to just prescribe you a wad of something (even enough hydro would do the trick
one would hope!)
I suppose euthanasia is out, but probably at this point *considerable*?  (j/k)
{{{{hugs}}}} hope you get some relief!
|
PAIDFO
Member
Reged: 02/01/03
Posts: 149
Loc: southeast
|
|
Go to the ER, I had 2 root canals done recently,I waited just a little too long and almost got an abcess.My dentist was on vacation and I thought I'll just wait.He asked me when I did see him,why the hell I didn't go to the ER? He said they would have immediatly put me on antibiotics and pain meds.I had pain meds from my Pain Dr so I had the pain under control.But I should've went anyway.Good Luck and plz keep us posted....
--------------------
"The difference between Ordinary and Extraordinary is the Little Extra"
|
GAPeach
Newbie
Reged: 03/25/02
Posts: 29
Loc: USA - Georgia
|
|
Oh yeah - remembered something else - my grandson is teething (really bad I might add) and we bought him HURRICANE GEL. The only place you can find it is at Walgreens and they might have to order it for you. It is the exact same stuff that the dentist uses to slightly numb your gum before he gives you a shot. It might help. It's on the expensive side - $11.00 for a 2 oz jar. Not sure if it would help you - but anything is worth a try.
Scarlett
|
prettyday
Threadhead
Reged: 02/09/03
Posts: 924
Loc: Coastal Sage Scrub
|
|
Gonna say it one more time. Gum infection can cause tissue infection elsewhere in your body. Get thee to an ER now if it has been 3 days.
--------------------
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi
|
quaker
Member
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 116
Loc: south east
|
|
Post deleted by bam29
--------------------
Quaker
|
Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
|
|
Whatever you do, do NOT try to self inject the Lidocane! If your pain is in the upper jaw, it's called infiltration injection- you have to hit the particular vein for each specific tooth- as for the lower- there are 2 veins- one on each side of your mouth- behind your molars- trying to hit the right vein would be impossible unless you were trained to do so! Be safe. You could try applying the lidocane topically, that might help. As for the dentists not taking you on an emergency basis- I'd call around- the infection could work it's way into your blood stream if not properly treated and quickly. I'm sure they don't want that on their heads. :/ Good luck  (That's from my girlie )
--------------------
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
|
night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
|
|
Wow! Thanks guys for all your concern.
It's dang near 2am and my teeth won't let me sleep. My boyfriend unexpectedly came home early from a fishing trip, so we'll be going to the ER later today.
For tonight, I just took some Trazadone (I hate to resort to taking Trazadone, but it works when I'm desperate!) and hope to get some sleep.
The only antibiotics I have around here are doxycyline, and those make my guts rot. I'll go in tomorrow, promise, and update you guys afterward.
About the insurance issue...I JUST filled out the paperwork for the dental insurance and mailed it back on Friday. Blue Cross/Delta Dental "don't have me in the system yet"...but I did receive a letter today from them indicating that my coverage is retroactive to July 1. Maybe with that letter I could get a dental appointment.
Thanks again, guys, you made my day!
night_shade
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
|
PrivateRealm
Threadhead
Reged: 03/18/03
Posts: 879
Loc: usa
|
|
I have been to the ER before for dental pain and have gotten anything from 7.5, to 10 mg and even OxyContin before for really bad pain. If you are that bad, I would have gone to the ER yesterday if a dentist wasn't willing to call something in for the pain until your insurance card comes in.
--------------------
KeriAnne~~~
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."
|
Anglwink
Veteran
Reged: 04/29/03
Posts: 605
Loc: East coast
|
|
I feel for you, I HATE dental pain. 1st, go to the er! People don't realize the seriousness of an infection in your mouth ot teeth as the infection would travel upwards, toward the brain!...Once thet look in your mouth, they will believe your pain. My Hospital by me DOES have a dental clinic, so there is always a way for them to call in a dentist (I believe this is true for most hospitals, to have the ability to call in specialists) as for my home remedy, heat usually works (on the outside of face) if you don't have a heating pad, wet a washcloth and put it in a baggie and then put iti in the microwave. be careful not to burn your face, wrap in another towel (to the point of heat you can stand). this always helps temporarily for the pain. Anglwink
--------------------
"Believe"
|
singlesu
Member
Reged: 06/07/03
Posts: 143
Loc: kentucky
|
|
I am an expert in this department and have had major dental problems all of my life. I had impacted wisdom teeth that were trying to come in when I was only 12, and the story goes on. And, as I look back on it, every major tooth problem I ever had always erupted on a Friday or Saturday night, when it is almost impossible to find a dentist who will see you.
I would definitely get to the ER as soon as possible. If you are experiencing swelling in the jaw, you most likely have some type of infection or abcess and there is not a pain killer in the world that will work until you start fighting that infection. And I should also tell you that those type of infections can also settle in other parts of the body and really cause some major problems.
At this point in my life I have 4 implanted teeth which anchor a very large bridge, and for some reason, one of those implants was always getting infected and was so painful, there were times when I tried to pull the thing out myself.
I have gone to the ER for this problem, and they have always been very understanding. In fact, one ER doc told me one night, that if God had meant for us to have stainless steel posts implanted in our gums, he would have built us that way. But the main issue here is not the pain that you are suffering (and I know how bad it is), but to get any infection under control immediately. I think that the antibiotic that was usually prescribed to me in the ER was PenVK, if anyone knows what that is, and everytime that I did visit my local ER, I was always given an injection of morphine and then about 20 lortabs until I could get in to see the dentist
To make a long story short, I got tired of fighting that tooth, and finally had it removed because of financial reasons and ChevyGal is right, no dentist will start working on your problems until you get any and all infections under control. From all of the experience that I have had all of my life with the "bad teeth", you will be surprised at how the pain will subside when the antibiotics get into your system.
--------------------
"I know I'm crazy cause I've got papers to prove it"
|
Ocean
Member
Reged: 04/20/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Outside of New York City
|
|
In my experience, there is nothing worse than dental pain. I would rather go through labor again than have some of the tooth aches I've had... This is a very tough issue since fixing your teeth could set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Then again, we are all too young to have them pulled... I have resorted to taking it one tooth at a time. Even if it takes me ten years to pay it off...
Please get to the ER, TODAY!
Let us know how you're feeling...
--------------------
Such a long, long time to be gone... And a short time to be there...
|
kcmom
Enthusiast
Reged: 09/19/03
Posts: 227
Loc: Missouri
|
|
I have been to the ER with dental pain earlier this year. I needed a root canal and had an abcess tooth so when the dentist tried to do the root canal I couldn't get numb because the infection was so bad so all he gave me was Keflex and vicodin 5 mg so I ended up in the ER and the doctor gave me Percocet 7.5 mg. I also went in to the ER with my mom once for TMG/Migraine pain and they gave her 20 Percocet as well. They couldn't visibly see any problems so I was afraid they would think we were drug seekers but they were very understanding. Good Luck, I feel for ya. I was pregnant at the time, and it was bad!!
|
catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
|
|
All I can offer on this thread is my heartfelt sympathy for your plight. But, what prompted me to post was how sick I am about reading how every best kept off the board thing seems to be a red flag that someone is an opiate abuser!  Honestly, don't dentists have some kind of professional responsibility to help those in need of emergency dental care? Also-I agree DON'T let this infection go untreated, it can become much worse & even endanger your long term health.  Keep trying to get help! You know that those of us here care for you even if the money- grubbing "professionals" don't!
--------------------
If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
|
antique
Banned
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 215
Loc: east coast
|
|
GOOD GRIEF,NIGHTSHADE!!!!!!! I feel for you...all those problems with your mouth AND no good medical help! First, I'm gonna reiterate what others have said here - INFECTION! Infection spreads, finds new places in the body to invade. It can kill you. You can't let something like that go untreated even if it means going to the ER and getting nothing more than antibiotics and some damned advil. Sorry, this whole thing makes me really angry on a lot of levels - but not at you of course.
To the extent that you can stand to do so, swishing some hydrogen peroxide in your mouth (don't swallow) can help keep down infection. It won't feel good.
Tooth-grinding is bad news - meaning continuing dental problems. Ask your dentist or even a pharmacist about a mouth-guard you can wear at night to keep you from damaging your teeth anymore.
For future reference, the best teeth cleaner you can use is a 1:1 mixture of salt and baking soda. Salt is an antibacterial and baking soda reduces the acidity in your mouth. You can buy a toothpaste that has those but watch out for other added stuff like sweeteners. Or you can just mix you're own.
You wanted home remedies... tobacco poultice can work well for tooth and gum pain and it has antiseptic qualities. Tobacco (a fellow member of the nightshade family  ) actually has quite a few medicinal uses - I wouldn't say that smoking is one of them. If you have a local store that sells herbs & such, you might find some there. I'm not sure that the tobacco you'd find in cigarettes or chewing tobacco would be that good because of all the added Best if kept off the board. There's a word I noticed that's best if kept off the board c*r*a*p. Odd, huh?
Here are some links to websites having some info on tobacco.
http://cochise.uia.net/alistar/tobacco.html
http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi
earl=plant_profile.cgi&symbol=NIAT
Nicotiana attenuata Torr. ex S. Wats.
Coyote Tobacco; Solanaceae
Shoshoni Drug (Toothache Remedy)
Poultice of crushed leaves applied to gum for toothache.
Train, Percy, James R. Henrichs and W. Andrew Archer 1941 Medicinal Uses of Plants by Indian Tribes of Nevada. Washington DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture (p. 106,107)
http://home.internetcds.com/~mlenk/karuk/indiantobcalif.html
|
Jeremiah
Agape GrandParent
Reged: 07/14/02
Posts: 705
Loc: U.S.A.
|
|
Oh My!
ouch,Ouch and OUCH! Pharmacies carry a tiny bottle of 'Clove Oil' kept behind the counter but it is OTC. Rub some on the area and it numbs it. Not sure this would work as your dental problems lie beneath the gumline. Same goes for the infant/adult Ambesol.etc..
A Dentist's Office can easily call your Ins Carrier and verify your coverage so you can be seen as an Emergency case.
Here is a link for free dental care,look up your State and it shows who the Dentists are that participate. They do have income guidelines.
Folks like us who rely on a large amount of medicine often develop dental problems,like we really need THAT.
Our ER's Do have Dentist's on call and have a special room with a dental chair w/supplies in it.A swollen jaw sure means the infection has delved into your mandible. Studies are now finding bad teeth can cause serious medical problems and even stroke.
An ice pak may help with swelling,but antibiotics and getting the teeth repaired is the only solution.(I know you know that)
Best of luck and please do try calling them w/your Ins info.
J.
Donated Dental Services
EDIT TO ADD: Ooops,I see mostly I repeated everyone else,sorry. I fixed the link too.
--------------------
I can't see me lovin nobody but you,for all my life
Edited by Jeremiah (10/19/03 03:42 PM)
|
IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 874
Loc: usa
|
|
if you have swelling I would say go to the er....you NEED antibiotics quickly! Dental infections can be particularly dangerous as they can become blood borne quite quickly...causing septic shock....you can also develop vegetative growths within the heart valves from untreated dental infections....much more rare, but sounds like this has gone on for some time! I say RUN, get the antibiotics....you can also soak a cotton ball with the injectible lidocaine & then "hold" the soaked cotton ball in the effected area, but don't let it prevent you from being seen right away...this is nothing to mess around with!
|
chevygal
Veteran
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 504
Loc: Way down south
|
|
Quote:
Studies are now finding bad teeth can cause serious medical problems and even stroke.
Jeremiah, very interesting. I had no idea. The problems I had with my teeth did happen long before I started taking any meds. I guess between being the last of 9 kids and we really didn't have alot of dental care when I was a child. Then I had kids of my own and my teeth problems were put on the back burner until they would act up so bad I had to go in. I am sure most every one has done that.
But I had no clue having dental problems could lead to other serious things. I have since had most of my teeth fixed. I am curious as to where you saw this info. I wonder if my numerous (very serious) infections that I had in my mouth at one time would have any bearing on the problems I have today. Thanks for sharing that
I do hope night_shade, that you have either already seen someone or have an appointment first thing this morning. Let us know how you are doing.
chevygal
|
night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
|
|
Hi all-
Thanks for the PM's everyone who sent one. Had major computer issues and had to reformat (brand new computer too--go figure!) Anyway, I was going to go to the ER yesterday, but my daughter got hit in the head by a scooter (not motorized) when she was with her dad yesterday. He dropped her off, said she had "a headache and gave her a Tylenol"...not 10 mins later, she was vomiting and had a pupil that was dilated and not changing size when light was shone into her eyes. So, I DID go to the ER, but for her, not me. (She's OK, but still headachy.)
I put a call in to my doctor this morning, but he doesn't usually call back until after the clinic closes. I'll also be calling some dentists this morning, too.
I think we get conditioned to "dealing with it" when it comes to pain. I know I detest emergency rooms more than anything and always feel like I must prove myself when I am there, and so avoid them like the plague. So, it isn't that I'm not miserable, it's that I feel I MUST just deal with it or I'm "abusing the system." The ER's around here actually have "black books" that have the names of suspected or confirmed drug seekers in them. I don't know how legal that is, but they do it. I would hope my name is not on that list, but who knows??? I'm sure I can't just call them up and ask!
Anyway, I REALLY appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and practical advice. There is definitely an infection going on because the gum is hot and foul-tasting and I'm running a low fever. I'm sure my doc will at least prescribe some antibiotics and may have a name of a dentist he recommends.
So, I'll sit tight until I hear back.
Thanks again, everyone.
night_shade
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
|
prettyday
Threadhead
Reged: 02/09/03
Posts: 924
Loc: Coastal Sage Scrub
|
|
Quote:
But, what prompted me to post was how sick I am about reading how every best kept off the board thing seems to be a red flag that someone is an opiate abuser! Honestly, don't dentists have some kind of professional responsibility to help those in need of emergency dental care? Also-I agree DON'T let this infection go untreated, it can become much worse & even endanger your long term health
I agree with you completely, catmom! I was just saying, look out for those questions from left field from the ER doc; or suddenly the focus shifts, and wrongly so.
--------------------
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit 
Reply 
Quote 
