For a good few months my dad has been complaining of a pain when he touches the area about a finger tips length from the side of his nose. He thinks it’s from his gum but his gum feels fine. He has a plate (for teeth) and he says that’s fine. He says he has a bit of root left the dentist wants to do root canal - I feel as there is no actual tooth there and just those on a plate they should come out.
We both are unsure if this is a dental matter and if it is he won’t go as he doesn’t want root canal. The dentist keeps saying he has oral thrush but she never gives him anything for it. The stuff she did give him once doesn’t work.
This morning however his face was swollen on that side. I gave him some Ibuprofen and the swelling has gone down.
Do you know what could be causing it? Do I sent him to the dentist reluctantly or should he see a dr?
As you know Queenie, I am not a dentist but what you're describing, facial pain and swelling appears to be a dental problem.
What dental problem?...most likely a retained root which may be the start of an abscess.
I would suggest returning to the dentist, having a root canal filling and in the meantime, treating the pain, as he have done, with Ibuprofen.
Queenie, if it appears to be anything to do with his mouth, the doctor will send him straight to the dentist anyway. They won't even give antibiotics for a dental problem. I would suggest he goes to the dentist first and see what they say.
Remind him he doesn't have to agree to any treatment he doesn't want. They are likely to look and give him another appointment to come back- so the first one should be safe :-). At least if the dentist rules out gums and teeth... the GP has somewhere to start from. I hope he feels better soon xx
I know he doesn’t but at the same time I don’t want it to worsen or cause him any more discomfort or further issues. He’s booked in and fingers crossed. I know he doesn’t want root canal which is fine so the tooth isn’t there so surely if it’s the root it can be removed. I’ve had a root removed and I remember diddly squat about it. I just worry about him Pixie - he might only be my dad but he’s my world. Will keep an eye on him over the weekend xx
I agree with the previous posts that it sounds like a chronic apical abscess from a retained root. If so, the treatment options are either root canal treatment or extraction. Obviously this is something for a dentist rather than a doctor to deal with.