Another appointment came up today, and this time they figured out the insurance. X-rays and exam plus an extraction. Root canal and deep cleaning in my near future.
Have you tried Orajel (sp?) or any other similar product with the active ingredient
benzocaine? To be honest, that's probably the strongest remedy you're going to be able to access over-the-counter and it will address any issues surrounding the nerve in your tooth. The second main reason why tooth pain actually is painful is a direct result of swelling/inflammation, which is best addressed (insofar as OTC remedies) with Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), most notably Ibuprofen (but Naproxen is also helpful, but to a lesser extent). Although the bottles on OTC ibuprofen will tell you only to take up to 400mg, it's perfectly safe to take as much as 800mg 3-4 times per day, assuming you don't take any prescription medications (such as lithium carbonate) that interact with it and/or are prone to stomach bleeding.
Don't underestimate the power of anti-inflammatory drugs. There's about an 80% chance you'll be prescribed an NSAID of some kind (either that or acetaminophen AKA Tylenol) if you have it pulled and/or some kind of prescription opioid pain reliever (e.g. hydrocodone/acetaminophen AKA Vicodin or oxycodone/acetaminophen AKA Percocet). If you are prescribed either of the Rx opioids, you would only be able to also get ibuprofen, typically in 800mg doses...which is why I suggest that dose to you now. Anyways, good luck to you, sir. I hope you feel better soon!
As for me, I just got out of the hospital. Thankfully, it wasn't for my Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), my disability, it was for something much less horrific to endure (thank goodness). I was in there for 8 long, incredibly boring, and rather uncomfortable days. Got through it, though, and just got discharged this morning and my discharge was unusually expedient, which is obviously quite desirable and highly welcomed! I don't think I've ever been so bored in my entire life, even though I had my phone. I just wasn't in the mood for the interwebs, I guess.
When I got home, I discovered that the dozen or so fruit flies that somehow manifested inside of my cabinet about two weeks ago had done some copulating and, despite my efforts to clean up everything they could possibly feed on before I left for the hospital, they had apparently found sustenance somewhere. After a several minute investigation, I discovered two empty cans of energy drinks below my table that I shoot knot videos on. They're so tiny, but so annoying. This is my second fly related fiasco in a month. Quite coincidental and exceptionally irksome. I'm about to whip out my vacuum and start sucking up as many as I can with the wand. They're surprisingly fast little buggers, but I believe I'm faster and, with the power of suction at my disposal, I will prevail over their incursion into my territory.
Wish me luck! heh heh =-D
I called about the insurance, and they said it shouldn't be an issue. I did end up with a 4/5 appointment, so that's an improvement. I'm hopeful that they call again soon with an appointment. Stupid thing is you can walk into the ER no questions asked. They just can't yank the tooth.
The apprentice has certs now so he's been getting to weld a bit, I'm still taking the tougher and more critical ones since he's not quite there yet.
