Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 2/16/2009

Question
Hi, My son complained on tooth ache today top left molar, so we took him to dentist today, he has a history of decayed teeth which have worn away and have fallen out themselves!!! The dentist said that he has an abcess which is draining fine on its own and wants to see him in 2 weeks, my son has like flu symptoms aswell which doesnt help which i think are making the situation worse, however the dentist did not give him any medication or anything so i have been giving him Calpol every 4 hours is this enough? He has not removed any of his teeth so far they seem to wear away and fall out! I jusat wondered if he should be on anything for the infection or is the draining taking the infection away! he assured us there is nothinghe is worried about as far as his teeth are concerned? thank u cheryl

Answer
Hi Cheryl

If your son has symptoms from infection (temperature, fever, etc) then he needs to be on antibiotics, if not then he is probably OK as long as the infection is draining - although he shouldn't be left like this - the tooth needs removing or repairing.

Regards

Tony Appleton