I think you should call back and say, "I won't be able to eat with this much pain. I can handle a day or two, but not more than that. Can you help me?" If they can't get you an appointment sooner, I think it's reasonable to ask for a different dentist, remedies, etc. Edited to add: You're definitely NOT being a problem patient by saying this. You're honest! They shouldn't mind you trying to get enough care so that you can eat normally!!
If they can't provide any of that, I'd ask friends for dentist recommendations.
If there is one thing I have learned recently in dealing with doctors... over-dramatize. Always. Without exception. Otherwise they will not take you seriously. It's a sad, sad world.
For a home treatment, you can get some clove oil, put it on a q-tip and put that where the pain is the worst for a minute or so. Make sure you saturate the area. Clove has a natural anesthetic and antiseptic in it... or, if you can get to a drugstore, pick up some orgel [the teething gel for babies]. It works pretty well to numb stuff.
I would definitely call them back. Tell them the pain is so intense you're unable to eat and that waiting that long just isn't feasible. And if they can't fit you in, ask for a recommendation for someone else.
I don't like making a fuss either, but asking to be seen earlier when you're in so much pain you can't eat isn't being a "problem" patient. Your pain matters. It's important. It's not causing trouble to ask that someone help you alleviate it as quickly as possible.
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If they can't provide any of that, I'd ask friends for dentist recommendations.
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call them back and say you can't deal with it, and if they can't get you in sooner you want a referral.
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I don't like making a fuss either, but asking to be seen earlier when you're in so much pain you can't eat isn't being a "problem" patient. Your pain matters. It's important. It's not causing trouble to ask that someone help you alleviate it as quickly as possible.
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