HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Application Of Cold Or Hot Compresses The Right Treatment For Tooth Pain?

default
Posted on Tue, 31 May 2016
Question: Is heat or cold more effective for pain caused by abcessed teeth (I have 2) but can't have them pulled for 4 more days,I have tried tramadol and one hydrcodone with various degrees of success also ibuprophine which seems to be most effective except that I need to take 2 of them every 2 hours which causes me great concern . But this pain is excrutiating at times . The degree of pain seems to coincide to a degree with the amount of swelling from the teeth and this greatly varies. Perhaps you could also suggest whether there might be a more effective prescription pain pill
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cellulitis, continue medication, extraction or root canal treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the swelling is concerned, it is because of the tooth infection that as spread to involve the soft tissue spaces(cellulitis). The hot and cold application will not reduce the pain. Till you get the tooth treated the pain will not reduce completely. You need to get the pus drained, then the pain will come down, because of the accumulation of the pus, pain will be there in around the swelling.
So you need to consult a oral physician and get it evaluated.

Mean while you can continue the antibiotics, that is amoxicillin and clavulnic acid with metronidazole (if you are not allergic). For the pain you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol combination. Since you have multiple medical disorders, it is better to consult a oral physician and get it evaluated and later take these medicines.
If the tooth is not in a condition to save then it has to be removed other wise it can be saved by doing a root canal treatment. Do saline gargling.
I hope i have answered your query. If you have any queries, reply me back.
Take care.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S

Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 3377 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Dentist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Is Application Of Cold Or Hot Compresses The Right Treatment For Tooth Pain?

Brief Answer: Cellulitis, continue medication, extraction or root canal treatment. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query. As far as the swelling is concerned, it is because of the tooth infection that as spread to involve the soft tissue spaces(cellulitis). The hot and cold application will not reduce the pain. Till you get the tooth treated the pain will not reduce completely. You need to get the pus drained, then the pain will come down, because of the accumulation of the pus, pain will be there in around the swelling. So you need to consult a oral physician and get it evaluated. Mean while you can continue the antibiotics, that is amoxicillin and clavulnic acid with metronidazole (if you are not allergic). For the pain you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol combination. Since you have multiple medical disorders, it is better to consult a oral physician and get it evaluated and later take these medicines. If the tooth is not in a condition to save then it has to be removed other wise it can be saved by doing a root canal treatment. Do saline gargling. I hope i have answered your query. If you have any queries, reply me back. Take care.