I have an abscessed tooth. I just want to go to my doctor and get an antibiotic, but my wife keeps insisting I see a dentist instead. Why can’t I just take an antibiotic like I would for any other type of medical infection? Matt Dear Matt, People often think antibiotics will heal an infection. […]
Painful Pimple on Gums
I’m hoping you can help me. I’ve had a tooth hurting for a bit. I didn’t see anything wrong with it so didn’t worry. Today, I noticed a pimple on my gum. It is throbbing and hurts like you wouldn’t believe. My doctor thinks it is a dental issue. What do I do about it […]
Is All Dental Sedation the Same?
I’m terrified of the dentist. However, this fear is ruining my life. I’ve been seeing a therapist and he suggested, at least in the short term to try sedation dentistry. He’s worried I’m getting infections because my mouth always hurts. We’re still working on my anxiety, but said this is more like an emergency and […]
Why Is My Tooth Turning Gray?
I had a toothache that drove me to the dentist. It takes a lot to get me there. I don’t have my own dentist so I went to one who sees people in emergencies. He said my symptoms meant that I cracked a tooth. He crowned it right then which I appreciated. The pain did […]
Disparity in Emergency Dental Care?
My husband and I ended up having simultaneous toothaches. We don’t usually go to a dentist, which is probably why we ended up with toothaches to begin with. We saw separate emergency dentists because we both wanted to be seen right away. Somehow, even though we had the same symptoms, I ended up with a […]
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
I haven’t gone to a dentist in years. I’m terrified of them. But, I’m also beginning to get embarrassed by my smile. I have a visible cavity on one of my front teeth. So I talked to a friend about how afraid I am and she mentioned dental sedation. The only thing that worries me […]
The Most Work in One Appointment
I hate dentists. I hope you won’t be offended by that I just find it’s best to be honest up front. I have what is possibly a tooth infection. It hurts. So, if I’m going to suck it up and go in to see a dentist, I want to get as much work done as […]
Canker Sore or Cancer?
I have had a canker sore for ten days. I’ve never had one before but I hear they take a while to heal. But, now my sister has me worried. She said her best friend had what she thought was a canker sore, but it ended up being oral cancer. Is that really possible or […]
Helping My Girlfriend After Dental Sedation
My girlfriend is having a procedure where she needs dental sedation. She said she’ll need a caregiver to get the procedure done. I agreed to be her caregiver, but I’m a little terrified. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. What does being her caregiver entail? Charles Dear Charles, It’s great that you’re […]
Can I Take a Sleeping Pill Before Dental Work?
I’ve got an upcoming dental appointment where I need some work done. I have dental anxiety. I’d really rather just sleep through the procedure, but my dentist doesn’t believe in sedation dentistry. I’m too scared. Would it be okay if I just took a sleeping pill before I went? Loriee L. Dear Loriee, I’m going to say […]