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Surviving the dentist

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Posted 12/14/2011 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Have had tooth pain which took me to the dentist. Cracked filling was the verdict. After dentist did 2 sets of shots and replaced the filling, my jaw STILL aches 3 days later. How do you survive the dentist? I have been taking extra pain meds (Advil) for the past 2 days but it does nothing. Oh yes, the headache has lasted 2 days too.... any advice?
Posted 12/14/2011 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Anti-inflammatories. Also, use wet heat on the jaw to relieve some of the pressure. I soak a washcloth in hot water and then place it on the jaw. It seems to help.
Posted 12/14/2011 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Luv2ride,
Was just curious...do you get headache's frequently or grind your teeth that you're aware of? Was thinking maybe it's TMJ and maybe you could have your dentist fit you with a mouth gaurd to wear at night which over time may aleviate some of the pain.
I have TMJ and grind my teeth without knowing it (in my sleep) and going to the dentist gives me alot of jaw pain.
Other than that and the above, I don't really know what else might help but if it continues, I would call the dentist and tell him.
Posted 12/14/2011 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Daisy, I do wear a nightguard, have for years since I clench my teeth at night... Had managed to crack a couple teeth before realizing it...

I think probably the TMJ thing got aggravated from having my mouth pried open to do a filling on the back lower molar. Hopefully things will subside soon.... I just HATE being this overly sensitive to pain/stimulation.

I suggest anyone with TMJ get a mouthguard/nightguard. A pain to wear but worth it to save cracked teeth....
Posted 12/14/2011 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like it. When I had my wisdom teeth out it was more the pain from having my jaw pried open than anything. Hope it gets better soon.
Posted 12/15/2011 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
If you need to go to the Dentist in the future, tell them to use a mouth prop when doing any work on you. I have TMJ really bad and agree, holding your mouth open hurts more than any work done. The mouth prop holds your mouth open and you just rest your teeth on it. Tell the Dentist before he starts that you need a break to close your mouth whenever possible. I would take a muscle relaxer to help with the pain, along with the advil.
Posted 12/15/2011 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Great idea, thanks. Didn't know a mouth prop existed. Appreciate all ideas/suggestions.
Posted 12/15/2011 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
I hate the dentist! I had a lot of work done a couple years ago, and yes, my jaw hurt for days from being kept open. I do ask them to take breaks, and warm compresses do help relax the muscles. I never heard of a mouth prop before, but I'm sure it would make it much more comfortable!

I go for cleanigns every six months b/c of dry mouth and periodontal decease. I hate it b/c this usually sets off nerve pain for a few days aroudn my face and teeth. For this I use little frozen packs of ketchup, just the right size to help calm the nerves along the cheekbones.
Posted 12/20/2011 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
My hygienist and dentist do as much work as they can with my mouth opened only as much as needed. Then they use a mouth prop for any time it will be open wider and for an extended amount of time. It is deffinatly important to let the dentist know ahead of time so things can be planned for the TMJ issues.

I also have problems getting numb. It takes 3x as much Novocain as it should. Last time I was there it took 4 hours in the chair to get me numb and fix 2 small filling. O.O

What also helps is a nice COLD vanilla milkshake after I visit the dentist.
Posted 12/20/2011 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Dang, it's not just me then. It always takes me much more novacaine than the average patient.

I'm going back today as I have a sweling at the injection site still 8 days later - feels like a pocket of liquid or something. If it's an abscess and I need antibiotics, I might just scream. Could be the novacaine I suppose that never went anywhere. But it hurts.
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