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Archives for July 2018

Can an Emergency Dentist Help a Canker Sore?

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I know I probably sound like a baby, but I have an unbelievably painful canker sore. If I went to an emergency dentist would they be able to help me? I haven’t been able to eat all day today. I don’t know what to do.

Carla

Dear Carla,

Woman in pain in need of dental care

When is a canker sore dangerous?

Canker sores can be incredibly painful. Add eating into the mix and it’s like pouring salt on a wound. These usually take around two weeks to heal. There’s not much that can be done about them so an emergency dentist wouldn’t be helpful.

There are some things you can do to help with the pain. There are over-the-counter antiseptics which can help. Some of them have pads you can place over the sore. However, the moistness of your mouth makes them hard to keep on. They are useful for giving you some relief while you eat though.

Now, if the canker sore doesn’t heal after two weeks it will be time to see your dentist. Sometimes what seems to be a canker sore can be something else, like a virus or oral cancer.

Don’t panic about the cancer possibility. If you get regular dental checkups, your dentist should be giving you regular checks for oral cancer.

When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?

  • If you have a tooth in pain, that’s usually a sign of an infected tooth in need of a root canal treatment.
  • If you lose a tooth, then it’s imperative you get to the dentist within 30 minutes to have a chance at saving the tooth. It helps if you call ahead of time so they can be prepared for you. Time is of the essence.

What If You Lose a Tooth?

If you happen to have a tooth which can be saved, don’t despair. We’ve made many advancements in tooth replacement options. Dental implants are so good, you’ll feel like you have a healthy, natural tooth again.

If the idea of surgery isn’t your thing, a porcelain bridge is a perfectly viable solution.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Pediatric Dentist Hates Questions

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Help me. My son’s pediatric dentist hates questions. I tend to want to ask a lot of them because I want to know what’s happening. The last time he said, “If you have trouble trusting your dentist maybe you should get a dental degree so you won’t have to ask so many.” I was offended, but he’s the only pediatric dentist within 20 minutes. Now he’s talking about my son needing a pulpotomy and I have no idea what that is. Can you help me? It sounds scary.

LeeAnne

Dear LeeAnne,

A little girl smiling in a pediatric dental chair

While it does sound scary, it really isn’t. Before we get to the pulpotomy, though, I want you to understand that your current pediatric dentist is way out of line. His job is to explain what’s being done thoroughly along with all your options so you can give informed consent. You’re not getting that. I really think you need a new pediatric dentist. You may not have to drive as far as you think. There are many general dentists who treat children. Many families find it convenient for them to all go to the same clinic.

Now, onto your question. A pulpotomy is simply a child’s version of a root canal treatment. It probably won’t seem any different to him than getting a filling. Most of the time if the parent doesn’t act afraid the child won’t be either.

This procedure isn’t always necessary though, so I want to make sure he’s not getting one he doesn’t really need. I’m a big believer in only doing necessary work on children especially. If it’s a baby tooth that’s likely to fall out very soon, I wouldn’t bother. If it’s not looking like it’s about to come out you could just deal with the decay and get him a mercury-free filling. If the decay is so large you’re worried about an infection developing, it’s probably better to just extract the tooth.

The exception to the above being if it’s a molar. These have to stay in until he’s around 11 or 12 years old. If it comes out prematurely, your looking at crowding teeth and expensive orthodontics. A pulpotomy will help keep the molar in its rightful place until it’s time to go.

If it turns out the tooth can’t be saved and he needs an extraction, don’t panic. Your dentist can put a space maintainer there to hold the place for his twelve-year-old molars.

I hope this puts your mind at rest. Now go out there and find a better dentist for your little guy (and you – questions are important)!

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.