toothache

[Goodsoulette]

My 6 year old son has a periapical abscess above a tooth that is falling out. I phoned the dentists but they have told me they can;t get him in today. I dont know what to do, he's comfortable at the moment but I know that this could soon become agonising for him. Shall I Wait till after hours and call NHS direct to get him referred to the dean doctors at the hospital so they can take the tooth out and give him the antibiotics. I have had no joy with my doctors surgery either.

[sqad617]

I appreciate that this is old fashioned, but nip to the chemist and get some Oil of Cloves and apply it to the gum above and around the affected tooth.

[LoftyLottie]

I would take him to A&E at your local surgery and tell them that neither a doctor or dentist will see him today. They can't turn you away from A&E, although you may have to wait.

[Goodsoulette]

Hi Sqad, i have been applying oil of cloves. Given him ibuprofen and paracetamol its just so big though.

If I have no joy by the time the surgeries shut then Ill take him to the emergency dental centre attached to a&e.

[sqad617]

Goodsoulette, what a terrible indictment of health care in the UK that a child of six, in pain with a periapical abscess cannot get dental treatment. For the life of me I cannot understand the medical profession's objection to the idea of polyclinics which would provide a 12 hour healths service with all modalities. One of the arguments that irritates me is that the polyclinic may be three or four miles away and would be difficult for some mothers and children to access it. Now, goodsoulete would you like a multi medical and dental clinic available, even 10miles away so that you could get dental treatment for your son?

[sqad617]

Been thinking again...lofty lottie's advice is the better.

[Goodsoulette]

I know sqad. Even if I could have got to the doctors to get him started on antibiotics would have been fine. I just cant believe we have been turned away.

As soon as 7 pm goes though as it is the weekend i can get onto the out of hours team. I'm not prepared to wait until monday, its just not fair on him.

I would travel 10 miles to get there and I dont have a car lol but where there is a will, there is a way.

[helliebobs]

How is he Goodsy? :(

[Goodsoulette]

Hi Hellie, phoned NHS direct and they sent me to the out of hours doctors who got a dentist in, they have given him some strong antibiotics to take overnight ( they did consider admitting him overnight), hes not to eat and tomorrow we have to go back to the hospital where they will pull his teeth and give him a sort of root canal (?) where they will clear out the whole infection. Dentist said he cant tell me how many teeth will have to go but possibly four, all milk teeth though.

HE was very good, said that this has happened because he grinds his teeth and cant believe my dentist said he didnt need a guard at night, so they will mold him for one of those too.

[Katie~77]

Awwww poor little lamb.x :-(

[bensmum]

Poor little lad - it is incredible in this day and age that a dentist couldn't see him earlier but at least something has been done now and hopefully he will start feeling better soon.

[jno]

sounds like you've got proper attention (at last) - good luck with it, I feel so sorry for him, and you too

[Goodsoulette]

TO be honest I think by phoning them and saying I needed him seen because he had a periapical abscess made them think I had a bit of munchausen's and that I was being a fussy mum. Thanks for your best wishes, I kust hope its not to traumatic for him tomorrow and that he'll be in theatre early enough not to have to stay overnight, im not sure he'll be too keen on that.

[LoftyLottie]

Hope all went well . It makes me really furius about the problems getting help, but I am glad you sorted it out. What really worries me is that some parents would not be as strong or determined to get it sorted quickly. The NHS is a real mess.

Anyway, love to both to you and hope the little fella is doing well and feeling much better.

LL xxx