Root canal or extraction? And am I really going to have to deal with this pain for a month?

Went to an emergency dental appt. this morning. I have a temporary filling that has fallen out. They say the decay has spread deep enough that I need either a root canal or an extraction. I was told to take ibuprofen for pain and they set me up with an appt. for an oral surgeon a month from now. That is the soonest they could get me in. I'm not sure which way to go. And, I am in a lot of pain. Ibuprofen helps, but I'm breastfeeding, and not sure I should be taking it for a month straight. Any suggestions? I was really hoping for at least a temporary solution today to remedy the pain.

Root canal or extraction? And am I really going to have to deal with this pain for a month?
rather than wait a month, try %26amp; get in somewhere else. Personally to have a good tooth pulled out, especially if it is between 2 other teeth - that can cause them to shift %26amp; affect your bite. I think it is better to save a viable tooth if possible. But there is no reason to have to wait that long if you are in pain. I have had quite a few root canals, and it does take a while for the procedure, but they should numb you enough that you don't really feel anything. Not fun, but not the worst either.
Reply:Well I would see if they can just take it out in the office. I just had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed. It was bad but not too bad,.
Reply:really? ibuprofen is the only way to go. and no, it doesnt last a month. ive had 2 extractions and 1 root canal on the same day and i was fine 3-4 days later. yes, it feels funky the first couple times you eat solid food, but its not that bad. when i didnt have ibuprofen id ice/heat the side that hurt. it would "help" but theres nothing like those pills. good luck!
Reply:10. Mother's Medicines (it's best to take your drug at the end of a feeding):


Most commonly used drugs are safe: e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, penicillins,


erythromycin, cephalosporins, stool softeners, antihistamines, decongestants, cough


drops, nose drops, eyedrops, and skin creams. Aspirin and sulfa drugs are safe after 2


weeks old. For all other drugs, call your doctor.
Reply:I had root canal work done...and the next day when I ate, the tooth broke in half. Please ask the doctor about all your alternatives. Also the pain wasn't as bad as people said it would be.
Reply:Kitty, I dont know where you live, but here in Richmond, theres a state hospital that has a dental department.. Theres an Emergency dental clinic that takes the first 20 people . If theres a state hospital where you live, call and ask about an emergency walk-in dental clinic.