Emergency Dentist Archives - Dental Care at Flint's Crossing

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth in Their Sleep?

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Athena Smiles.

I recently noticed that my youngest child seems to be grinding his teeth at night. He’s five, if that matters. At first, I thought it was a one-off thing or a fluke. He fell asleep in the car on the way home from a family function that ran late, and I caught his jaw moving when I looked back in the rearview mirror. I always pop in and check on him before I go to sleep, so the next few nights I paused to watch for a few minutes and realized he’s doing it all the time. He doesn’t remember doing it and doesn’t seem to be any worse off for it. The pediatric dentist hasn’t said anything while we’ve been in.

So, I’m wondering why do kids grind their teeth in their sleep and is this something he’s going to grow out of? I know it’s a problem for adults—his dad’s a grinder too—but I’ve never heard of children doing it.

Thank you,

Morgan

Dear Morgan,

This is a great question! Teeth grinding, formally known as “bruxism,” in children is more common than you might think. Studies show that up to 50% of kids do it, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a harmless habit. Let’s dig into the details a bit.

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth in Their Sleep?

Kids grind their teeth for many of the same reasons adults do.

Familial Links: Studies show teeth grinding tends to run in families, though researchers aren’t sure if it’s a genetic link or an environmental factor that causes it. Boys are more likely to grind their teeth than girls as well.
Stress and Anxiety: Yes! Kids get stressed out too. They worry about tests, things happening with the family, chores, and all sorts of other things.
Mental Health Issues: Grinding is linked to a multitude of sleep disorders as well as issues like ADHD.
Dental Issues: Kids with misaligned teeth, those who wear fixed orthodontic appliances, and those who breathe through their mouth tend to grind their teeth more.
Secondhand Smoke: Even moderate exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of grinding for kiddos.

What Happens When Kids Grind Their Teeth in Their Sleep?

Although you didn’t ask about potential complications, it’s important to recognize that sleep grinding isn’t a harmless habit. Kids with bruxism are at risk for a number of complications.

Fractured teeth
Receding gums
Teeth and jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD (TMJ is actually shorthand for the jaw joint’s name rather than the disorder)
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
Sleep problems
Eating disorders

Do Kids Grow Out of Teeth Grinding?

Generally speaking, kids do not grow out of bruxism. Remember, there’s an underlying cause, so although a contributing factor may end, and the child may seemingly stop grinding at night, they’ll probably resume if the trigger returns.

You mentioned that the dentist didn’t say anything at your last visit. It may be that it’s so early for your son that there are no outward symptoms yet. You should proactively bring it up so he or she can look specifically for signs of trouble and keep a close eye on your son as he continues to grow.

Treatment for Sleep Bruxism in Kids

Treatment for kids is much like that of adults and may vary depending on the trigger or underlying cause.

Dental Care: If misaligned teeth or other oral health concerns are contributing, the dentist will need to address them. Equally, if a child is displaying signs of grinding, such as broken teeth, the dentist will need to repair them.
Nightguards: Although nightguards don’t prevent grinding, they can protect teeth from damage and often reduce jaw strain.
Stress Relief: Talk to your kiddo to find out if he’s feeling anxious or stressed about anything. Sometimes just talking it out with you will be enough. If not, consider bringing in a mental health professional to help your kiddo learn ways to manage stress.
Bedtime Routines: If bedtime routines are inconsistent or chaotic, stress elevates and sleep issues may develop. Try to incorporate a winddown period before bed and set the stage for sleep by ensuring the room is quiet and dark. Limiting screens, especially close to bedtime, and making sure your child is eating well may help too.

As always, if you have concerns or your child develops symptoms that suggest they’re experiencing pain or discomfort, be sure to get him into the dentist for an evaluation right away.

This blog is sponsored by Auburn, AL dentist, Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Will Toothpolish Ruin My Teeth?

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Athena Smiles.

I’m 15 and have good teeth. We go to the dentist and I’ve only ever had one cavity. There’s this thing called Toothpolish trending on TikTok and I want to try it. It’s like nailpolish but for your teeth. It comes in lots of different colors and I really want to try the white so I can get brighter teeth.

Because you can only get it online and I don’t have a credit card, I asked my mom to order it for me and told her I’d give her money from my allowance. She said no because she thinks it’ll ruin my teeth – that I’ll start getting cavities or that it will somehow cause permanent damage.

Everything I’m seeing says it’s safe and everyone I see using it says it’s fine. What can I tell my mom to get her to let me get it?

Thank you,

Storm

Dear Storm,

It sounds like you’re referencing CHRŌM. Your mom’s probably being overly cautious here, but you may want to hold off on placing an order. Let’s dig into it a bit.

What’s “Toothpolish?”

To get others up to speed who may not be on TikTok, CHRŌM is a temporary paint-on colorant similar to nail polish that’s become popular with specific demographics, especially teens and those in their 20s. This is largely because the company has been doing a whole lot of influencer marketing. They seem to be paying people with large social media followings to demonstrate how their product is used.

Is Toothpolish Safe?

The big question you’re asking is whether toothpolish is safe. There are no long-term studies that show it, which is usually a red flag when it comes to healthcare/ cosmetic products. Very much a buyer beware type situation.

The company notes that it’s not suitable for people with certain pre-existing conditions. For example, if you wear braces, have Invisalign, have cavities, or have sensitive gums, it’s a no-go. If you have sensitive teeth, it may cause some issues during application and while drying because of the alcohol content. That should also be a red flag. If you’re constantly applying it and causing pain/ irritating your tooth, you can permanently damage the nerve, which would ultimately require a root canal and usually a crown to repair and can sometimes result in the loss of the tooth. It would be unlikely for this to happen, and even harder to trace it back to the toothpolish, but it’s something to be aware of.

With all that said, it’s probably safe for most people based on the ingredients listed, but it’s also not something you should try without talking to your dentist first.

Covering Up Issues is Not a Good Idea

The big concern dentists are reporting with it is that people may use it to cover up what they think are “cosmetic issues,” when, really, they’re covering up issues like cavities that will get worse over time if left untreated. If you’re unsatisfied with the look of your teeth, tell your dentist what’s bothering you. You’ll learn what all your options are so you can make an informed decision.

Toothpolish as a Whitening Solution Would be Expensive!

Bear in mind, toothpolish is temporary and you remove it by scratching it off or brushing. You’ll need to plan to reapply it anytime you eat something that could scrape, brush, or rub it off.

When you’re using colored varieties to accessorize or to achieve a certain look occasionally, that’s not necessarily a problem. It’s like having to reapply a colorstay lipstick throughout the day. When you’re trying to use it to make your teeth look whiter on an ongoing basis, that’s going to add up.

The company says you’ll get 10 applications per bottle if you’re applying it to all your visible teeth, and each bottle is around $20. Let’s say, conservatively, you’re only applying it twice per day—at the start of the day and after you eat lunch, since you’re probably going to chip some off or scratch it up while you eat. It’s only going to last you a week. You’d spend $80 per month just having it for school. Assuming you’re in school 10 months of the year, that’s $800 per year.

A professional whitening solution provided by your dentist would come out less expensive in the long run, would give you lasting results, and would be way way way less hassle. And, yes, you could potentially whiten your teeth at your age, but it’s something you need to discuss with your mom and dentist.

Now, if you’re just talking occasional use, like maybe you want a pop of white when you’re filming your own TikTok clips or having school pictures taken, it’s probably going to be suitable for something like that as long as your dentist and mom approve.

Bottom Line: Your Mom is NOT Wrong – Sorry!

Your mom is right. You’re young and it’s important to protect your teeth. If you take good care of them now, you’ll likely still have them when you’re 80. So, it’s just not a good idea to be trying products that could potentially cause an issue, especially when finding out if you have any of the contraindications is so easy.

You sound like a mature child—you’re able to save up and pay for your own products at this point. And, you also say your mom takes you to the dentist. Instead of jumping in with this, why bring it up with your dentist and/or hygienist next time you go in for your checkup and cleaning?

That’s not to say you should go against your mother’s wishes—you shouldn’t. But, handle this with the same maturity you‘d handle the money with. Let your mom know that you’re respecting her wishes and not using it, but that you’d like to run it past the dental team when you go in to get their feedback on the safety. That way, you’ll settle the dispute and, even if you don’t get the green light, you’ll leave knowing why and what your options are.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL dentist providing general dentistry, pediatric, and emergency care services.

Will a Root Canal Make My Son’s Front Tooth Whiter?

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Athena Smiles.

My son almost knocked one of his front teeth out while horseplaying in the pool a few summers ago. Back then, he was seeing a pediatric dentist who suggested we take a “wait and see” approach. She thought it would heal up on its own and it seemed to have, but it’s turning a grayish color now. He graduated to seeing the family dentist who says the next step is getting a root canal because the tooth is dying, and that it’s up to us whether we want to do it right away or wait until the tooth starts hurting. I’ve never heard of a root canal whitening a tooth. Has the process changed over the years?

Thanks,

Tyra

Dear Tyra,

Did the dentist say the tooth was dying or that it was already dead? That’s an important distinction. True, it can take months or years for a tooth to turn gray after trauma. The coloring is a common symptom of the blood flow being cut off or nerve being severed. But, most people do have other symptoms and, for the dentist to indicate the tooth is presently dying with no symptoms beyond a color shift, it’s a bit unusual. You wouldn’t want a root canal if the tooth is vital and not infected and there are other things that can cause gray discolorations. Let’s go over this a bit.

Many Things Can Cause Teeth to Go Gray

While trauma is perhaps the likely culprit here, it’s important to remember there are lots of potential causes of gray teeth. Although some of the following won’t apply to your son, a detailed list is provided below for others following along too.

Decay: Cavities can cut off blood flow just like trauma can.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Although rare, this hereditary disorder weakens teeth and can turn them a bluish-gray color.
Tetracycline: When children under 8 receive this antibiotic or expectant mothers take it, it can turn developing teeth gray.
Restorations: Metal tooth restorations, such as amalgam fillings and crowns, can discolor teeth too.
Aging: Sometimes teeth take on a blue-gray hue as a person ages.
Root Canal Medications and Materials: Certain medications used to disinfect during root canal treatment can turn the tooth a brownish-gray color. Sometimes the inert filling used to fill empty chambers after a root canal, or cement used, can cause discolorations as well.

Get Clarification from Your Dentist or a Second Opinion

Color alone does not signify the tooth is dead or dying. Find out what he’s seeing beyond the coloration and what condition he thinks the tooth is presently in. It may be a good idea to get a second opinion before starting treatment too.

A Root Canal Will NOT Whiten a Tooth

A root canal is the next step if the tooth’s nerve is dead or the tooth is infected, but that’s only because a dead tooth will eventually develop an infection. Think of it like a stagnant pool of water. Bacteria gets in there and thrives until you have a raging infection. It’s no fun at all! You don’t want to let it get to that point, so if your son has other signs the nerve is no longer vital, it’s best to move forward with the root canal as soon as possible.

With that said, a root canal won’t do anything about the color of the tooth. For that, you’ll want to explore cosmetic options, such as internal bleaching (performed by a dentist) or a veneer. Best of luck to you and yours.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL dentist providing pediatric dental services and emergency dental care.

Did My Dentist Place Crowns I’m Allergic To?

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Athena Smiles.

A couple of years ago, my dentist did some crowns for me across my four front teeth. I’d chipped them in my early 20s and, although the fillings that had been placed served me well for many years, they were starting to fail and cause some issues.

Anyway, I mentioned that I had a metal allergy at the time of placement and the doctor assured me it wouldn’t be a problem with these. I probably should have asked more questions but I didn’t. I just took him at his word.

Lately, I’ve noticed that the spot right between my two front teeth is quick to bleed. It often bleeds when I’m eating and, I’m embarrassed to say, one of my coworkers pointed it out to me the other day when I hadn’t done anything at all that could have triggered it.

I’m told that most crowns are metal. Is it possible these are or that metal was somehow used and that’s what’s triggering the bleeding? If so, will I need to have them replaced or is there another fix?

Thank you,

Fatima

Dear Fatima,

It’s probably not a metal issue, but let’s break down why that can be ruled out and go over some potential causes.

The Bleeding Between Your Crowns is Likely Not Related to Metal

Generally speaking, dentists try to avoid using metal on anterior crowns. Front teeth don’t usually need the additional strength afforded by metal and it’s harder to get the aesthetics right with a metal layer underneath.

Moreover, if this was a metal allergy you were dealing with, it would likely be impacting all the surfaces of all the crowns done at that time, versus just between the middle two, and it probably wouldn’t have taken so long to manifest.

Something Else is Causing Gum Irritation

Odds are, something else is causing irritation there. If you’re not getting in there and flossing, that should be a priority.

It could also be that there are issues with the margins of those crowns or perhaps a small amount of cement was left. In these cases, food can easily be trapped or plaque can build up; the latter of which you may not be able to remove on your own.

Focus on Homecare and See the Dentist for an Exam

If you’ve been keeping up with your dental cleanings, it’s ok to work on this a bit at home. Work on flossing. You can use floss picks or similar if you’re not a fan of floss or it’s hard to use there. You can also use salt water rinses to try to speed up the healing, but avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can dry out your gums and make the problem worse.

If you start to notice signs of infection or it begins to hurt, go get it checked out right away. Otherwise, you can work on your homecare for a couple of weeks to see if that improves things and then have it checked out at your next cleaning. And, of course, if it doesn’t start to improve with extra TLC, have it checked out sooner. Best of luck to you.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL dentist.

Dentist Grilled Me About Pain Meds: Is That Normal?

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Athena Smiles.

I see a local dentist here in Auburn fairly regularly but fell out of schedule because of COVID. Prior to that, I had no issues and got my cleanings as needed. I recently visited family in Florida and, of course, came down with a terrible toothache. I couldn’t see anything wrong with the tooth, but it absolutely killed me to eat just about anything and it was somewhat tender just from breathing. In any case, I had to visit a dentist there to get it checked out. He said he couldn’t see anything wrong with it on the x-ray but that, based on my symptoms, it was probably a cracked tooth.

The first problem was that he said only a crown would fix it. Well, that apparently meant I’d have to return to his office to finish it in two weeks… not realistic since I was only supposed to be there for a week. I asked him about possibly just getting some pain medication and having it fixed by my dentist when I got back home. That’s when it went from bad to worse.

The next thing I know, he’s looking me up in some database and telling me that I already have a strong pain prescription and he can’t give me anything else. Yes, I had another pain prescription. I received it a month ago when I went in for a medical procedure. I was fine and recovered and that medication was here at home, not something I took with me. I’m not some addict and I was in serious pain. Is it normal for doctors to behave like this over prescriptions now? I didn’t have any issue when I came home. My doc patched me up right away and didn’t bat an eye when I asked for something for the pain, but I’m not sure if it was because he knows me or what.

Thanks,

Gerry

Dear Gerry,

That sounds like a nightmare! Sorry to hear you went through all that. It sounds like the practice you visited could have handled it better, but let’s go over what happened and why.

All Prescribers (Including Dentists) in Many States Are Subject to New Prescribing Laws

Around three-quarters of the country now has very strict laws about how prescriptions are handled. Some states even extend the new laws to any prescription, while others simply have stringent requirements when it comes to controlled substances or opioids. This is necessary and vital. You spoke about not being an “addict,” but the unfortunate truth is that the country’s opioid crisis is largely driven by prescription medications. Without more oversight on how potentially habit-forming medications are handled, it’s historically been very easy for the average person to unintentionally get hooked on pain medicine… in much the same way you could have. One prescription from a doctor after surgery, another from an emergency dental visit, another after dental treatment, another down the line from a physician, and so forth.

Compounding the problem, 21-29% of people who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them, according to the NIH Between 8-12% will develop an opioid use disorder. It has exploded into a widespread epidemic with 50,000 opioid-involved overdoses per year.

To address this, most states now require prescribers to send prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. Some also have mandates that doctors check a database and assess a patient’s risk before prescribing.

Florida Has Stringent Prescribing Laws

Florida is one of the many states with advanced laws for prescribing controlled substances. Doctors need to submit prescriptions electronically and check a database to assess risk of addiction. This isn’t because the doctor thinks you’re an addict, but rather because it’s his job to ensure you’re not placed at risk. Prescribers can get in legal trouble for not following these new mandates.

Alabama Does Not Have Stringent Laws

Alabama is presently one of the very few holdout states that isn’t implementing similar laws just yet. This may be why your regular office didn’t respond in a similar manner. You could also be right in that, because you’re an established patient, they didn’t worry that you might be shopping for medications. Or, maybe it was because you were getting treatment right away. In all likelihood, all these factors probably played a role. Hope this helps clear things up a bit. Glad you’re feeling better now!

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL dentist.

Do Any Affordable Dentists Do Root Canals Too?

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Athena Smiles.

I’m not saying anything bad about dentists who do root canals, but their rates are crazy. I don’t have dental insurance and have been cash pay for years. Last weekend, my face swelled and my regular dentist said that I either needed a root canal or to have the tooth pulled. If I had the tooth pulled, he could do it, but if I wanted to save the tooth and get a root canal, I’d need to see a specialist. I’m only 45, so I want to save the tooth. The problem is, the specialist wants around $1,500 to do it and the extraction is around $400. Well, if I don’t have $1,500, I don’t have much of a choice. Plus, he says it might need even more treatment after the root canal which will probably cost another $1,000. That’s one expensive tooth!

My dentist put me on antibiotics but cautioned me that my infection would likely return as soon as they ran out. So, I have little time to work with to get this sorted, but not much. Before I give up on the tooth, is there not a cheaper way to get my dental work done?

Sincerely,

Rajesh

Dear Rajesh,

This is a great question! Let’s break it down.

Find Out Why Your Dentist Wouldn’t Do the Root Canal

Some general dentists just don’t like performing endodontic treatment (root canals). Especially when you get into molars with three roots, it’s an intensive and time-consuming process. If your dentist passed on doing the work because he fits into this category, you may be able to call around and find a different general dentist who will do it. If he normally performs endodontic treatment but your case is unique—perhaps your roots curve or you have other considerations—and he referred you to an endodontist because he thinks it’s best for your situation, you’ll probably want to see an endodontist regardless.

Request Quotes from Nearby Dentists

Ask your dentist for a copy of your x-ray and the exact codes from your treatment plan. You can use the codes to call around and get pricing from other dentists in your area. It probably goes without saying that you likely do not want to go with the cheapest dentist. You want someone who has a good reputation taking care of this tooth. It is an investment, but it’s a worthwhile one. As you said, you’re only 45. You could literally have another 45+ years ahead of you without that tooth. And, without it, your other teeth will start shifting and you will likely have more trouble eating. If you can find a way to save it, you should.

You Can Find Ways to Make Treatment More Affordable

When you find a dentist who will do the root canal and you feel comfortable with him, then start digging into ways to make the treatment more affordable. A few tips:

Ask for a cash pay discount
See if the office will let you make payments
Find out if the practice accepts programs like Care Credit (a medical credit card)
Inquire about discount plans

Best of luck to you and your tooth!

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL affordable dentist.

Pediatric Dentist Left Bruises on Son- Normal or Not?

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Athena Smiles.

My six-year-old had to see the pediatric dentist to have two teeth removed yesterday. He was incredibly sore after and overnight. We tried icing it and giving him ibuprofen, but it didn’t really help. By this morning, it looked like he’d been in a boxing ring. I phoned the dentist to find out what happened and they told me there was nothing out of the ordinary about the treatment—just that sometimes this happens. I want to believe them. We have a good relationship with the doctor and all my kids have seen him, so we’ve been patients for probably a decade by now. But, I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this and it’s quite alarming. My son doesn’t remember anything about the treatment. They sedated him during the visit. So, I really don’t have anything but the word of the dental office to go on. Is this normal? Or should I have my son seen somewhere?

Thank you,

Ann

Dear Ann,

As scary as it may look right now, your son is probably experiencing a side-effect of receiving anesthetic and will be just fine in time. However, you should get him checked out by the pediatric dentist or a physician just to be sure.

Hematomas May Occur by Receiving Anesthetic

As Jacqueline J. Freudenthal, RDH, MHE, associate professor and chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University explains, “A hematoma develops when a blood vessel (artery or vein) is inadvertently injured by the needle. If the injury is minor or the tissue is dense, a hematoma is unlikely to be noticeable extraorally.” She notes that the care team can help diminish the impact by stopping treatment and applying pressure and ice right away and continuing with ice off and on for the next six hours. So, you did the right thing by applying ice at home. However, she also notes that, “ If an artery or vessel is injured in a vascular area, such as the pterygopalatine or infratemporal fossa, a more dramatic response of swelling and bruising may occur.”

Most hematomas heal on their own with no further care needed. However, more serious cases do require additional treatment and follow-up care with the dentist or a physician. This has been observed and studied in children.

Sometimes Bumps Happen During Extractions

It’s also possible your son is more susceptible to bruising or was bumped during the extractions. This doesn’t happen much with baby teeth because they have shorter roots and tend to come out easier than adult teeth, but it’s possible trauma occurred during the extraction too.

Take Him to the Pediatric Dentist or His Pediatrician

It sounds like your instincts are spot-on here. Your son is in pain and has obvious signs of injury. Whether they happened during the course of normal treatment or not, he should be seen right away. Chances are, he’ll be sore for a bit and the marks will dissipate over the next couple weeks. However, if he is experiencing one of the rarer complications, medical intervention could be necessary. Give the pediatric dentist a call back and let them know you’d feel better if the doctor took another look at your son. If they can’t get him seen right away or you have concerns about what may have happened in the treatment room, have him visit his pediatrician or another doctor instead.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, a provider of general and pediatric dental services in Auburn, AL.

Can My Auburn Dentist Dismiss Me if I Get Implants in Mexico?

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Athena Smiles.

I have a good relationship with my dentist here in Auburn, but I need to get implants done and they’re way out of my price range. I initially tried saving up to have them done here but something always came up and I never got anywhere close to having my portion after nearly two years of trying. I have a sister who lives in Texas near the border and she’s gone a couple times and says most there are accredited by the American Dental Association and that it’s the same as having it done here because of it.

I tried to approach the subject gently with my dentist the last time I was in and he told me that he wouldn’t continue to treat me if I went. He said that it’s not safe and, if he continues to treat me and there’s an issue, he could be held liable for the Mexican dentist’s shoddy work. I’m heartbroken. I understand what he’s saying and respect his concerns. At the same time, I would have loved for him to do the work. I really would have. I just can’t afford to have him do it. And, I would never in a million years go after him if something didn’t go right in Mexico. In a way, I feel betrayed. He’s making me choose between having a full set of teeth and staying with him as a patient. Can he even do that?

Thanks,

Sharon

Dear Sharon,

So sorry to hear you’re dealing with all this. The short answer is, “maybe.” The full answer is complicated. Let’s take a look.

Exercise Caution if You Seek Treatment Outside the United States

There is nothing that’s “the same” as visiting a dentist in Mexico versus one in the United States other than both are dentists and both will provide similar types of treatment. When you talk about the licensing, the continuing education requirements, and the recourse if something goes wrong, it’s night and day. That’s not to say there aren’t good dentists in Mexico, but they simply do not have the same requirements as they do here. And, if you do wind up with a dental emergency, you’re a day’s drive away from your provider and have little recourse if he or she doesn’t do right by you.

Dentists Can Dismiss Anyone from Their Practices

A dentist doesn’t really have an obligation to keep you as a patient in the long run. You can be dismissed from a practice for virtually any reason. The only general caveat to this is that there are generally guidelines about the dismissal process that involve providing care for a period of time while you become established with a new dentist.

It May Be “Unethical” for Him to Dismiss You for This

Dismissing a patient for seeking treatment in Mexico is a bit different, though. The ADA addresses it in terms of a patient’s freedom of choice.

“The ethical dentist will treat the patient who has received dental treatment outside the United States in the same manner as he/she would treat a patient who has transferred their care from any other practice, irrespective of the fact that the treatment performed outside of the United States might or might not be substandard and, in some instances, a possible detriment to the patient’s health. A dentist should consult applicable state law to determine the definition of “patient of record.” Failure to treat such a patient may raise ethical concerns under ADA Code Section 2.F, Patient Abandonment.”

So, what we can ascertain is that your dentist could find himself in hot water with the local dental board if he dismisses you, even though his concerns about you receiving poor quality treatment are valid. In the same narrative, the ADA reminds dentists to keep good records, so it’s easier to identify the root cause of any issues if multiple providers are involved.

The Final Decision is Yours Alone

At the end of the day, you’d have to report the dentist to the board and they’d ultimately decide whether he behaved unethically or not. They may indeed agree he’s out of line in this case. But, whatever the board might decide, you feel betrayed by your dentist and seem to have lost faith in him. For that reason alone, it sounds like your needs are better served by a dentist who will honor your wishes. As an aside to this, it might be worth checking out other local dentists to see if someone here can still help you. True, you won’t get the same prices as you would in Mexico, but you can be assured the dentist treating you will be held to a higher standard of care. You may be able to find an affordable dentist who offers payment plans or similar as well. Best of luck to you.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, Alabama dentist who provides affordable and comprehensive care.

Can Dentists Prescribe Antibiotics?

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Athena Smiles.

I have a raging toothache and called around to several dentists in Auburn to see what their policies on prescriptions are. To be clear, this thing doesn’t just hurt. Half my face swelled up. I told them all this—that I’m in agony with some kind of tooth infection but that I can’t afford to treat the tooth until I get paid in two weeks. Maybe four, depending on how much this is going to cost me.

Not a single one would give me a straight answer. They all said that I’d have to book an appointment and that the doctor would let me know my options after an exam. I get that they want to take precautions, but this is beyond ridiculous. At this point, I’m deciding whether I should just go to my primary care physician to get medications and revisit dental treatment after payday. I would love a straight answer though. Should I bother booking?

Thanks,

Joey

Dear Joey,

Sorry to hear your situation wasn’t treated with the care and consideration it deserves. Let’s break down your answer.

Yes, Dentists Prescribe Antibiotics

Dentists are doctors. They can prescribe all sorts of medications, including antibiotics and pain medications. Particularly given the symptoms you described, antibiotics would be a necessity in this situation and it’s hard to imagine a dentist not prescribing them unless something else is going on.

Pain medication is a different story entirely though. Given the current regulations and high potential for abuse, many will not prescribe narcotics. In fact, you may have raised red flags with these offices if you called around without specifying what kind of medication you were hoping to receive. They probably thought that’s what you were looking for, not antibiotics for a swollen face.

You Need to See a Dentist ASAP

This qualifies as a dental emergency. Anytime you have an infection like this, it’s imperative to start treatment right away. As odd as it sounds, people still die in this day and age from untreated dental infections. Rather than calling around and asking about meds, find out which dentist can see you today. You’ll probably leave with your antibiotic prescription and a complete estimate on doing the repair work when you’re ready.

Explore Affordable Dentists if Budget is a Concern

It sounds like cost has been a major concern for you, possibly preventing you from treating this tooth to begin with. Don’t let cost be a barrier—it leads to issues like what you’re experiencing today. Instead, find someone who can work with you a bit. Each office will approach affordable dentistry differently. While you do NOT want someone who does cheap dental work, you can find offices that have reasonable fees, will break up your treatment and help you prioritize appointments, and even some that offer payment plans or accept Care Credit (a medical credit card). This is something to keep in the back of your mind while you’re getting that tooth squared away—you’ll want to come back for a full exam soon and start addressing other issues as you can before they get a chance to turn into an emergency. Best of luck to you.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Raymond Bolt, an Auburn, AL dentist offering comprehensive care and same-day appointments for dental emergencies.

Home Remedy for Toothache

Posted on April 23, 2020 by writeradmin.

My dentist is closed due to the shutdown. I had a small cavity when this all started, but I think it’s gotten worse because I have a massive toothache. Do you know of a home remedy? I’m sure it will take longer than the dentist but I’ve got to do something. I’m in a lot of pain.

Drew

Dear Drew,

I am very sorry you are in so much pain. Generally, tooth pain is a sign you have a dental infection. This is especially likely because you already had some decay there. Dental infections are a tad different from other types. The only way to treat the infection is to remove the infected pulp. That is typically done by a root canal treatment, if the tooth can be saved, or a tooth extraction if it cannot. I don’t think either of those are something you want to do on your own at home.

The good news is these are considered dental emergencies. Even under the COVID-19 quarantine, urgent care is permitted. Your dentist will be able to treat you. So yay for not having to treat your own tooth.

You don’t want to put this off. Aside from the pain you are in, leaving an infected tooth is dangerous. Believe it or not, people still die from tooth infections. The reason for that is our jaws are very close to our hearts, lungs, and brain. Once the infection reaches any of those areas, it becomes life-threatening very quickly.

If Your Tooth Can’t Be Saved

You will want to replace a missing tooth. If you don’t, aside from looking strange, the adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space, causing severe bite problems. The top of the line tooth replacement is a dental implant. This is the closest to having a healthy, natural tooth again. Hopefully, this won’t be necessary.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn Family Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.