Category Archives: Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dentist

Will An Emergency Dentist Treat a Painful Canker Sore?

I’m wondering if I need to schedule my husband an appointment with an emergency dentist. He has been in agony over a canker sore for the past several days. He’s not one to complain, but when he didn’t eat dinner last night I started to worry and I asked to look. The spot looks really angry and is about the size of a kernel of corn. It’s red and raised with white on the top. Also, this isn’t the first one he’s had. He had another one a couple months back, but it was nowhere near this bad.  Would an emergency dentist help him with this, do we need to see a regular doctor, or should we give it more time to see what it does?

Thanks,

Marie – Michigan

Dear Marie,

There may be no need to see an emergency dentist just yet, especially if you haven’t tried any treatments at home. Most of the time, these spots clear up in 10-14 days on their own. It’s just a matter of managing it until you get to that point.

There are several products you can try to see if they give him some relief. An oral anesthetic from the dental aisle of just about any grocery or drug store is a good place to start. You’ll also find products aimed at covering it and protecting it. These tend to come in either a tube or as little gel-like pads that adhere to the tissue. Covers are difficult to keep on, but they can add temporary protection from temperature changes and maybe long enough to eat a meal if he’s careful. If it’s looking like it might be becoming infected, a topical antiseptic should also be applied. Some of the patches and gels already have an antiseptic in them. You can also buy a product made especially for killing germs or do a rinse with a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water. Listerine is also a good choice. Although it’s not intended to treat canker sores, some people report pain relief from using it as well.

Covers are difficult to keep on, but they can add temporary protection from temperature changes and maybe long enough to eat a meal if he’s careful. If it’s looking like it might be becoming infected, a topical antiseptic should also be applied. Some of the patches and gels already have an antiseptic in them. You can also buy a product made especially for killing germs or do a rinse with a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water. Listerine is also a good choice. Although it’s not intended to treat canker sores, some people report pain relief from using it as well.

True canker sores can be caused by a lot of things, such as biting one’s cheek, friction from a dental appliance, injury, stress, and even allergies. Plus, there are other things that masquerade as if they were canker sores, such as oral cancer or viruses. If your husband has a lot of them, he may want to see a physician or dentist to have an evaluation done. It’s also a good idea to schedule a checkup if this doesn’t clear up within two weeks of the onset or if the pain gets worse, but it doesn’t have to be with the emergency dentist unless the pain is bad.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Will Emergency Bonding Last?

I had some trauma to my front tooth. I made a trip to an emergency dentist. He did an x-ray, said the tooth looked good and then used some kind of emergency bonding to repair a chip that happened as a result of the trauma.  How long will that bonding last? I’d want an idea of when it will have to be replaced with permanent bonding.

Andrew P. – Oklahoma

Andrew,

I’m glad you were able to get this taken care of quickly. Emergency dental bonding is permanent bonding. So, if it was done properly, it should last for at least a couple of years.

Dental Trauma can be tricky, so even though you’ve seen an emergency dentist, I’d be more at peace if you followed up with your regular dentist in a few days. I’m not implying the emergency dentist missed something.

Trauma to a tooth can cause the blood flow to be cut off from the tooth, causing the tooth to die. That doesn’t show up on an x-ray. The first signs could be bruising under the tooth or an abscess. So, follow up is important.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Should I Use Super Glue With a Porcelain Veneers Emergency?

I’m in a pickle!  I have a job interview the day after tomorrow and one of my porcelain veneers (on a front tooth!!) has fallen off. I called my dentist and he doesn’t consider it an emergency. He can’t see me for a week. I can’t go to my interview like this.  Is it okay to use Superglue to get it back on?

Amber A. – Nevada

Amber,

STOP!  Put down the Superglue. Now slowly back away.  Whew! That was close.

I know you’re likely freaking out right now, but don’t worry, this can be fixed in time. I’d call around to some cosmetic dentists in your area first thing in the morning. I’m certain at least one of them will be willing to help you if you explain your situation. Most dentists are caring and want to help patients. That’s why they chose dentistry to begin with.

If you use Superglue and get it wrong, not only will your smile look a bit off, but your veneer will likely have to be completely re-done That will put you in an even bigger pickle.

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Is It Safe to Get a Root Canal When You’re Pregnant?

I’m pregnant and my dentist just told me I need a root canal. I have had a toothache, but ignored it. I went in for a check up, but wouldn’t let him do x-rays. He says he can tell I need a root canal, by how bad the tooth is. Is that safe when pregnant?

Clara M. – Missouri

Clara,

I know when you’re pregnant, most medical procedures seem like a big, bad wolf just waiting to hurt your baby, but in this case NOT doing the procedure is what could unleash the wolf. An infection is a dental emergency, and left untreated is dangerous for both you and your baby.

The root canal procedure is safe. There are local anesthetics and antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy. Plus, your dentist knows your concerns and will take extra precautions.

Ideally, the second trimester is the easiest to do this type of procedure, but that has more to do with what is more comfortable for you than safety issues.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Do I Need To See An Emergency Dentist For A Defective Crown

When I was just starting out my career, I had porcelain crowns done across all my front teeth. They look great overall, and I’m actually still very happy with the aesthetics. One of them has always had a rough spot or a divot, though. I can feel it with my tongue, but I have never been able to see anything wrong with it. I did mention it to the dentist who did the crowns and she smoothed it out some, but I’ve still noticed over the years. It was close, but not quite perfect. Lately, it has been feeling different- much more rough,  and I can actually see a dark mark. I don’t know if it’s just attracting stains or what, but I don’t think I’ve changed my habits and I get regular cleanings. I’m a little concerned that that it is failing and that I’m going to be out on a business trip and the whole thing will crumble. Is this urgent enough to warrant a trip to the emergency dentist? Should I have the crown redone now or am I worrying about nothing?

Sincerely,

Hank

Dear Hank,

This may not necessitate a trip to the emergency dentist and it isn’t exactly “urgent,” in that you need to get in as soon as possible, but it is something you should get checked out in the near future. It’s common for crowns (and natural teeth) to have some defects, but it sounds like yours is changing, and that could mean it’s actually cracked now, not just a defect. In this case, it would also pick up stains more readily and there’s a chance it will break sometime soon. It’s impossible to guess when it will happen, though.

Rather than letting it turn into a trip to the emergency dentist, especially if you’re an avid traveler, you should find a dentist who is skilled at cosmetic work and have him examine it. Due to the age of the crowns, it might be time to start thinking about replacing them all. Don’t be surprised if the dentist mentions this.

However, the only reason to update the others is age or wear and tear. If the dentist suggests switching them all out so he can make them all match, that’s a sign that you’re not working with a skilled cosmetic dentist. You should be able to have just that one replaced and have it blend naturally, without having the others redone, too. Best of luck to you.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Implant Dentist or Emergency Dentist

My dental implant has been in for about 9 months. Everything was fine until a few weeks ago, when my jaw started hurting. I went to see my dentist who did my implants. He said everything is fine. The pain got worse and I went back. He still said everything was fine. I believed him, though was beginning to have my doubts. Today, I was eating and I realized there is puss in my mouth. the implant tooth feels loose. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t reach my dentist. Do I wait for him or see an emergency dentist? Help me, please.

  • Misty – Nevada

Dear Misty,

 

I’m sorry for this experience you’re having. Your dentist should have been more in tune with your concerns. It sounds like you’ve got a pretty massive infection and it needs to be dealt with. I’m surprised you can’t reach your dentist at all. Usually, there is a protocol in place for emergency situations.

Because your dentist doesn’t seem to have a procedure for situations then you need to see an emergency dentist. There is likely only two things he can do. First, he’ll give you some antibiotics to stave off the infection until your implant dentist can get in there and deal with the issue. Secondly, he may need to splint the implant tooth. Hopefully, this can be resolved in a way that allows you to save the implant.

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Kevin and HIlary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Afraid of the dentist and have emergency

I’ve been afraid of the dentist for quite some time. I probably haven’t been in about five years. Now, I’ve got quite a toothache and I don’t know what to do about it.  Well, I know go to the dentist, but I get a knot in my stomach like you wouldn’t believe. Is there anything I can take for that?

Muriel H. – Delaware

Muriel,

I’m sorry for the fear you’ve been experiencing. As you’ve probably guessed, avoiding the dentist causes more problems. Anything you take at home is likely to interfere with anything your dentist will want to give you.

There is medication your dentist can give you to help relax you.  IT will make the appointment go much easier for you. I realize that because you haven’t been to the dentist in about five years, that it may mean you don’t have a regular dentist.

If that is the case, you still need to get in quickly before the infection spreads. There are emergency dentists that will see you quite soon, some even the same day. Make sure you go to an emergency dentist that is also equipped to give you some form of sedation as well, so you won’t have to deal with the anxiety as well.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hilary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

DIY Tooth repair

I’ve been seeing some videos about DIY tooth repair. There is tooth filling material at the drug store.  Is this a legit thing?  I’ve had a toothache and have been putting off going to the dentist because…well, I’m a dental chicken.  I’m wondering if this DIY is the solution I’ve been looking for, but don’t want to waste time on something that doesn’t actually work.

Marvin G. – Alabama

Marvin,

I’m glad you asked this, because it will save you serious trouble down the road.  That tooth filling material you see at the pharmacy is meant to be a temporary stop gap until you get to the dentists–at the most a few days. It’s useful if you lost a filling and are waiting for your appointment or are out of town.

I don’t know which videos you are referring to, but wondered how did they propose you get out the infected and / or material?  That’s an important step that can’t be ignored.   Otherwise, you’re leaving the infection.  It’s like wrapping a bandage on a broken arm.

Don’t feel bad about being a dental chicken. Around 20% of American’s are.  I don’t know if you have a dentist or not, but if you do, ask him or her to use dental sedation during your appointment. It will allow you to get your infection cared for without pain.

If you don’t have a dentist, an emergency dentist will see you, usually the same day, even if you’re not an established patient.  I would make sure they do sedation as well.  It will give you  a much more pleasant  dental experience and will help you with the dental anxiety you’ve been experiencing.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

I called my dentist in pain and he told me to schedule an appointment

I called my dentist in massive pain.  I mean massive.  I’m still in pain, but a friend gave me some of their left over oxycodones.  That’s helping numb me out some, but it is not taking care of the complete frustration I feel at my dentist completely ignoring me.  He told me I’d have to schedule an appointment just like everyone else. The soonest they can see me?  Two weeks!  He said he’d call me in an antibiotic until then.  Gee, thanks.  I can just live in complete torture. Is this standard practice?

B.L. – New Jersey

B.L.,

Wow! I’m sorry for your experience. You really need a dentist that cares.  Dr. Peck lives close to his practice, just so he can help patients quickly in situations like yours.

You’ll want to get this problem looked at right away. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, I just wanted to reiterate that you’re right in your feeling of urgency.  This will only spread. People actually still die from tooth infections.

I want you to google emergency dentist. See who’s in your area that will see non-established patients quickly. Some will even see them the same day.

Your dentist giving you an antibiotic without actually dealing with the problem is actually pretty dangerous. It could even make your infection resistent.  If I were in your place, once I dealt with the infection, I’d start looking for a new dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

I don’t like my dentist but have a toothache

I haven’t been to the dentist in two years. Mostly because the guy is a total jerk.  Every time I try to make conversation he finds fault in something I say and tells me what is wrong with me.  I haven’t had time to find a new dentist, but I have a massive toothache.   What do I do if I don’t want to go to my dentist?

Mandy P. – Colorado

Mandy,

There are few things worse than someone who is always finding fault with our ideas. It gets even worse when we think we might have to tuck tail and go ask that person for help.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go to this dentist. In fact, I recommend you don’t.  There are great dentists out there. Dentists who care about their patients.  You can find one of those dentists.

In the meantime, you have to do something about this toothache.  My suggestion is that you look up emergency dentists in your area.  Many of these dentists will see you the same day you call them.

You may even like that dentist so much that they become your new dentist.  Whatever you do, don’t put this off.   Believe it or not. Patients still die from tooth infections.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.