ya... in a prior, uninsured life, I dealt with a toothache for a couple of weeks before going in to see a dentist...
When I woke up in the middle of the night from the pain, and had to take 5 shots of grain alcohol just to make the throbbing settle down enough that I could pass out from the booze... I realized I should probably consult a professional.
Doc said I coulda died had I waited a lot longer.
Sad about the boy.
As Shakespeare wrote:
"For there was never yet philosopher That could endure the toothache patiently"