It’s been a week since I first noticed the pain – the dull, throbbing ache that started off in my lower left teeth. I thought it was nothing more than a bit of tooth sensitivity and tried to ignore it. But the pain just kept getting worse and worse. Over the course of the week, my toothache turned into a full-blown infection. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had developed a dental abscess – an infection of the tissue and bone around the tooth.
The pain was unbearable now. I could barely speak or eat and the infection had spread to my face and neck. I knew I had to see a dentist right away. I was scared to find out what would have to be done but I knew I had no choice.
When I arrived at the clinic, the dentist diagnosed me with an abscess. He said that I would need to undergo a root canal procedure in order to drain the infection and save the tooth. I was nervous and scared, but I was also relieved that the cause of my pain had been identified.
The treatment was painful, but the infection soon subsided. I had to take antibiotics for the next few weeks, and I strictly followed the dentist’s instructions for taking care of my teeth.
I learned my lesson – I should have gone to a dentist earlier when I first noticed the pain. I’m now more proactive when it comes to taking care of my teeth, and I make sure to brush and floss regularly. I have my dentist check-ups every 6 months, and so far I have been infection-free.