HELP! TOOTHACHE PAIN AT NIGHT!?

Question

Background story: A little more than 3 years ago I got my first cavity on my lower left molar (second from the back) and had it filled. I had such a bad experience with my dentist with that cavity that even after the pain persisted weeks after. Eventually the pain died down and only occurred when I purposely swished cold water through the tooth to see if it would still be painful. Or taking a breath of air through the tooth. Now, the pain usually went away a few minutes later. I was pain free for the rest of those 3 years.

However, a few days ago the pain began again and although it's not to the point where it's UNBEARABLE..it still hurts A LOT. However, the pain seems to only occur when I lay down or am very active (exercising, for example). I don't know what triggered this, but I guess that now the pooling of blood in my tooth is what's making it hurt... Because when I'm standing or sitting here typing this, I feel little to no pain.

I have a scheduled dentist appointment (My bet is I'll need a root canal) the 26th, because I'm going away from Thursday to Sunday... I have two questions.

1) What are some suggestions for relief during bedtime? Could I take sleeping pills to completely knock me out, or should I just numb the tooth with clove oil? I've tried sleeping sitting up but it just doesn't work.

2) Will the pain get worse if I wait after my vacation to get it checked out? I'll probably go in a bit sooner than the 26th, maybe right when I get back. I just don't want it to ruin my vacation.

Best answer gets 10 points! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If I were you I would phone and ask for an emergency appointment. I had a similar problem to you and did just that. My dentist told me it was just a bit of sensitivity after having had a filling. I went abroad for two weeks, the last week was ruined by constant very painful toothache.

On returning to the UK I went to see both my doctor and dentist, by this time the whole of one side of my face and head ached, I was in so much pain I could hardly speak. The dentist still could not find a problem nor could the Dr. I was prescribed various painkillers and antibiotics. It took 3 weeks before the pain totally went and the swelling went down. I was left with a 1" swelling on my bottom jaw. One year later, after finding a new dentist, I was told that the swelling was an old abscess, the pain I had experienced was due to an abscess which had formed in the tooth which had not been filled properly. I ended up having to have the whole thing done again but with a root canal filling and a trip to the hospital.

I would hate you to have the pain that I did, especially when you are away from home..... get it checked out.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I had the same problem when i was really young. Your filling probably fell out and the nerves are revealed again, which means your probably going to have to get your filling replaced! The reason your pain has started again is because when you sleep more blood flows to your head because your body is horizontal, and when you exercise more blood flows to the head, hence why you usually turn red after a hard workout. When there is an increased amount of blood flow in the head or any part of the body you usually feel an annoying throbbing sensation.

If you want to have a peaceful sleep the best thing for you to do is go to the drug store and pick up some "Ora-Gel" you apply it around the gum before sleeping/exercising and it will go numb for hours. Sleeping pills probably won't be needed unless you in a lot of pain and you cant sleep what so ever.

It depends if the pain will worsen or not, i think you should go to the dentist anyways to get it checked out just in case it becomes more serious !

Hope i helped : )

Answer 3

try a mouthguard (specially used to stop pain from grinding teeth) they are like 25$ at wallmart

Answer 4

I would say clove oil, or try taking some ground clove or the actual clove itself and put it on the tooth for a while.  You can try swishing warm salt water a few times a day before bedtime also.  Aside from your OTC pain relievers such as tylenol and ibuprofen, there isn't much else you can do, but I wouldn't see the same dentist.  At any rate, I hope you feel much better soon, those toothaches are always the worst!

Answer 5

having sensitive teeth is one symptom of gum disease and even receding gums. teeth becomes sensitive once bacteria causing gum disease have allowed deep pockets to form inside the oral cavity and bacteria lurking in the deep pockets can easily breed and multiply causing infection inside the mouth.  and plaque is what bacteria feeds on. it is best that you visit the dentist and have a plaque removal. you need to observe proper oral hygiene and hydration to keep bad bacteria at bay. if not so, all will be leading to severe gum disease that can cause tooth loss. use also natural dental care product for it helps kill bad bacteria in the mouth.

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