Tag Archives: tooth ache

Emergency Dentist

Dentist Can’f Find Why My Tooth Hurts

I go to my dentists every three months. This time, about two months after my last appointment, I started having a horrible toothache. I scheduled an urgent care appointment with my dentist. He said there was not any evidence of an infection on my last x-rays.  He also didn’t see any cracks in the filling that I have on the tooth which hurts. Because of that he doesn’t really think there is a problem. However,  as a precaution he prescribed me some penicillin and told me that if it stops hurting I won’t need to worry because there isn’t an infection.  Do you know if that will apply if the pain comes back after a while?

Gracie

Dear Gracie,

Woman holding her jaw in pain

 

I’m going to recommend that you find a different dentist. There are too many things wrong with the way your dentist handled this. Let’s start with him “diagnosing”. your problem.

He looked at your old x-rays and said he didn’t see any evidence of an infection. Well of course there wasn’t any evidence on your old x-ray. You didn’t have any pain then so there very likely wasn’t a problem.  What you needed at that point was an x-ray that shows the root tip which can tell you if there is any problem with the pulp.

Then, he just decided that because he didn’t see a crack on the filling that there wasn’t a problem.  That is one way to check for a problem. Here are others he should have checked before making a decision:

  • He should check for pain when tapping.
  • He should also do a hot/cold test.
  • He should try an  electrical test.

I’ve saved the worst for last. He said if the tooth started to feel better that you didn’t need to worry because there isn’t an infection. Well, I’ve got some news for you. The antibiotic would make it feel better because there is an infection and it is slowing it down a bit. Once your antibiotics run out, it will flare back up. This will quickly turn into a dental emergency.

I’d like you to find a different dentist. You can search for “best dentist” in your area, but be sure to check why people are calling them that. It could just be fast appointments.

This blog is brought to you by gentle dentists in Lafayette, LA Drs. Foreman and Thimmesch.
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Emergency Dentist

Is Every Toothache a Dental Emergency?

I’ve been reading about toothaches online because my daughter is complaining about a back tooth. Everyone seems to indicate that any time there is a toothache, it means a dental infection. Is that ALWAYS the case? I’m in a tough spot. At the moment there is only $35 dollars in my bank account. I don’t want to leave my daughter in danger, but I don’t know how to pay for the appointment. The tooth she is complaining about is in the back of her mouth. I would be surprised if it developed an infection because I had those teeth sealed and her last checkup had an all-clear.

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

child getting teeth attended to

While in most cases a toothache can indicate a tooth infection, it is not so in EVERY case. You didn’t mention how long it had been since her last check-up. So it is hard to tell if it was close enough where you should not be too concerned.

I recently spoke with someone in a situation such as yours. Her daughter was complaining about a back tooth. Like you, this mother was responsibile and caring, so she worried about the potential of an infection. However, when she took her daughter in, the tooth was perfectly clear. The conclusion was that her daughter, who struggles with anxiety, had been clenching her teeth. This lead to the pain her daughter was experiencing.

In her case, the solution was to get a mouth guard. She couldn’t afford a custom one at the time. So, as a temporary solution, they purchased a one-sized fits all one at their local pharmacy for just a few dollars. While not ideal, it will do in a pinch while she saves up for the better device.

Because there is no way to know without checking, I would simply recommend calling your dentist and explaining the situation. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted a job that allowed them to help people. As you already have a working relationship with this dentist, they may be willing to just take an x-ray and peak in order to see what is going on and allow you to pay off the appointment a little at a time. This is especially true of dentists who see children.

At least this way you will know what your daughter is dealing with. If it is a tooth infection, then it would be considered a dental emergency. This is simply because these infections will continue to spread until the infected pulp is physically removed by the dentist.

Many people don’t realize that these infections can become life-threatening because of their proximity to the brain, heart, and lungs.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentists Drs. Foreman and Thimmesch.

Uncategorized

Avoid the Emergency Room For Dental Emergencies

Just thought I’d let your patients know that if they have a dental emergency and don’t think they can afford a dentist, they’re wasting their time going to the emergency room. I had a toothache, but didn’t have the money to do anything about it. So, because emergency medical things are covered, I thought I could beat the system by going to the emergency room. It was a complete waste of time.  They essentially gave me two ibuprofen and sent me on my way.  They did nothing for the toothache. All I did was waste my time.

Mercedes L. – Boston

Mercedes,

Your experience is quite common. Mostly that is because doctors aren’t trained for dental work, nor do they have the equipment.

There are ways to get emergency dental care without money. One is to call a dentist and just tell them your situation.  Most dentist are compassionate and will work with you.  There are also low interest and even no interest payment plans.

It is important that you get this looked at, so don’t put it off any further. There will be a dentist that will work with you. But, if you put it off, what could just be the beginning of a problem will turn into a serious infection and will spread.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.