Teeth issues?! Help me?!?! This is like an EMERGENCY!?

One of my teeth has gradually turned into a blackish gray lump. What has happened to it? also, I have several visible holes in my teeth, and it hurts horribly to chew. I haven't had the money in the past, so I've been neglecting my dental health. When I was a child, I hated my dentist, but I don't need sedation dentistry. When I go to the dentist, will it hurt? WHAT WILL THEY DO TO ME?!?! :-( I hate dentists. What can I do to improve my poor oral hygiene?

Teeth issues?! Help me?!?! This is like an EMERGENCY!?
Martha--the only way to know exactly what is going on with your teeth and how they can be restored is to see a dentist. Talk to friends who have dentists that they like and trust and make an appointment to have your needs diagnosed. A compassionate and understanding dentist will not lay guilt on you and can help find the best way to accomplish your treatment. You hold the key to improving you oral hygiene and it sounds like you are ready to go for it. Commit to making an appointment by the end of the week and then just do it. Good luck to you!
Reply:Going to the dentist does suk but from the sounds of it u need on soon or u wont have any teeth left i would recommend u find the money fast
Reply:sounds like you have a dead tooth. get help immediately. make payment arrangements. periodontal disease can make you very ill.


Oral Health Topics A–Z





Periodontal (Gum) Diseases








Overview


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Additional Resources








Overview





Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.





Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.





Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:





Tobacco smoking or chewing


Systemic diseases such as diabetes


Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives


Bridges that no longer fit properly


Crooked teeth


Fillings that have become defective


Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives


Several warning signs that can signal a problem:





Gums that bleed easily


Red, swollen, tender gums


Gums that have pulled away from the teeth


Persistent bad breath or bad taste


Permanent teeth that are loose or separating


Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite


Any change in the fit of partial dentures


It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.





Mayo Clinic dental care specialist Alan Carr, D.M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.


Answer


A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in the roots of teeth or in the gum tissue surrounding teeth. The main symptom of a tooth abscess is a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache. Initially, the tooth may be sensitive to heat and pressure with chewing or biting. Later, you may develop a fever, swelling in your face or cheek, and tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck. If the abscess ruptures, you will have a sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting fluid in your mouth.





A tooth abscess will not go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly, but dental treatment is still needed. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck and even become life-threatening.





Treatment of a tooth abscess is directed at eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth and preventing complications. Treatment may include:





Draining the abscess


Antibiotics


Warm saltwater rinses


Over-the-counter pain relievers


Root canal therapy


Extraction of the affected tooth





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Reply:I have suffered with my teeth for many years due to my fear of the dentist. At one point I had 8 rotten teeth in my mouth, some of which had abcesses....that hurt like hell...especially when they burst. I lived on antibiotics! When two of my front teeth started to decay and cracked off at the root I knew I had to face my fears and go to the dentist. My doctor gave me 10mg of valium to take an hour before which helped. As I sat in the dentist chair I felt NO pain whatsoever when he extracted my teeth...only a slight pressure. I didn't even feel the needle as he numbed my gum ....I wish I had gone sooner. I think the best oral hygiene is to brush and floss twice a day.