Fear of tooth infection getting worse

[Beckybecks]

I've had HA for 30 years. Mostly I can cope with any illness I've experienced before by reasoning with myself.
This time it's not working and I'm such a mess. I know I'm making myself much worse but I can't seem to find my way out of the loop.
I got toothache and although I dread the dentist I knew I needed to face my fears. He diagnosed an infection and gave me penicillin. He xrayed and said there's nothing wrong with the tooth so he doesn't want to pull it or weaken it with root canal work.
For four days I've been in agony and watching the clock to take my next lot of painkillers. I can't eat due to anxiety. My sleep pattern is very broken due to pain (and probably the anxiety too)
Dentist is now on leave until 9th December. Husband says I need to give the penicillin a chance to work. I'm halfway through a 7 day course.
My mind is telling me that surely by now the pain should ease off.
My mind is also telling me that it 'might' be something worse......
My mind is also probably telling me the pain is much worse than it actually is.
How long does a tooth abscess last once it's treated with penicillin?
Can anyone give me a little reassurance please

[EKB]

I’ve not had an abscess, but I have had plenty of mouth and gum pain. Those always hurt like heck and then suddenly don’t. You may need to stay the course on this one, but if you don’t feel better by your last dose make another appointment with your dentist to get checked again. I had antibiotics for painful impacted wisdom teeth and it took a few days anyway for me to be able to eat comfortably.

Also try warm moist compresses along your jaw. If there’s any tension or something irritating the nerves, that will help that and hopefully decrease the pain you are feeling.

Also keep your mouth moist. Drink water, non caffeinated tea, swish with warm salt water. Dryness immediately makes everything feel worse.

[Beckybecks]

I’ve not had an abscess, but I have had plenty of mouth and gum pain. Those always hurt like heck and then suddenly don’t. You may need to stay the course on this one, but if you don’t feel better by your last dose make another appointment with your dentist to get checked again. I had antibiotics for painful impacted wisdom teeth and it took a few days anyway for me to be able to eat comfortably.

Also try warm moist compresses along your jaw. If there’s any tension or something irritating the nerves, that will help that and hopefully decrease the pain you are feeling.

Also keep your mouth moist. Drink water, non caffeinated tea, swish with warm salt water. Dryness immediately makes everything feel worse.

Thank you so much for your response, advice and reassurance.
I'll be patient and hopefully calmer

[Sparkle1984]

How is your tooth now? I remember a few years ago I had a tooth infection and the first set of antibiotics didn't work, but the second ones did (they were a different type).

[Beckybecks]

How is your tooth now? I remember a few years ago I had a tooth infection and the first set of antibiotics didn't work, but the second ones did (they were a different type).

Hi and thanks so much for replying. I took my full 7 day course of antibiotics. The toothache improved and finally disappeared but unfortunately has now returned! That was my second course of penicillin so I don't think that's the answer. I will go back to the dentists next week when he returns from leave.
I never thought about asking for a different antibiotic and he gave me the same one again. I'm not sure if that's the problem I just know I'm sick and tired of this toothache!

[andrewy01]

That is so frustrating, I feel bad you are doing right, yet this pain keeps coming back. When you see your dentist next time, and if it hasn’t worked the first time, I’d definitely ask for a different antibiotic. Hopefully, that’s the last and you’ll really get some relief soon!