Cavity delimma?!
Question: Ok, so 2 nights ago while brushing my teeth I noticed a small whole in one of my molars. I pretty much know its a cavity. I called the dentist and they can't fit me in until Dec. 26th, I have been brushing like crazy and using flouride everytime I brush. My fear is that this stupid thing is going to start giving me a ton of pain and I don't want my holiday to be ruined. I'm thinking I should just keep taking Ibuprofen and maybe keep putting orajel right on the tooth? Any other ways I can stop this cavity or atleast stop the pain from getting worse so my holiday does not get ruined!? Thanks a lot!
Answers: Ok, so 2 nights ago while brushing my teeth I noticed a small whole in one of my molars. I pretty much know its a cavity. I called the dentist and they can't fit me in until Dec. 26th, I have been brushing like crazy and using flouride everytime I brush. My fear is that this stupid thing is going to start giving me a ton of pain and I don't want my holiday to be ruined. I'm thinking I should just keep taking Ibuprofen and maybe keep putting orajel right on the tooth? Any other ways I can stop this cavity or atleast stop the pain from getting worse so my holiday does not get ruined!? Thanks a lot!
Unless it hurts just leave it alone until your dental appoitment. Orajel is great but there is also another product that you can buy in drug stores. I am not sure what it is called but it comes in a box that is on the same asile as orajel. What you do is use the cotton swab that comes in the boxes and press it against the cavity this really numbs the tooth. THen it comes with this cotton like substance that you push down over the cavity whole. This seals out air and also keeps food from getting into the cavity. I know that Walgreens and CVS sells this kit. Other than that I don't know what to tell you. I have had this delima before too. Good luck and maybe it will not hurt before you make it to the dentist.
PS if it starts to hurt bad call the dentist and tell them sometimes they can work you in if your in pain or just try another dentist.
Best Wishes and Merry Christmas,
Happy
I'm assuming you have some pain now. There is no way to guarantee your pain won't get worse, but it's likely that at least some of the pain is from food getting pushed into the hole.
There is an over-the-counter preparation called Den-temp which well-stocked pharmacies will carry. They make temporary filling material and temporary cement. Get some of the temp. filling material and after gently rinsing out the tooth (maybe dislodge any obvious debris gently with a toothpick) press a small ball of the material into the hole. Close and gently grind your teeth together, and pick off the excess. This will lessen the chances of pain until you see your dentist.
If you still have pain after this, call your dentist and get a prescription for pain medication. If you start to see swelling or the pain gets severe, the dentist should be available for emergencies (or have someone covering the office).
Steve Bornfeld, DDS
Usually pain on a disclosed cavity is causd by a breach in the pulp chamber. The protective layers are eroded. i would suggest you use a biocompatible toothpaste for sensitivity, such as Sensodyne.Pulpitis can be really pesky.
Hope this helps.
If you can see a hole in your tooth and the dentist won't get you in right away, you need a new dentist. If you can't find one and you are in pain, most hospitals keep a list of dentists who are on call. Phone the hospital in your community and explain your dental problem. The hospital will direct you to the dental office of the dentist who is on call. You do not have to remain a patient of the on call dentist if you don't want to, but it is an option. If you are already taking pain killers, my instincts are telling me that the tooth might already be infected. If I am right, a simple filling will not be enough. You will require antibiotics and proper painkillers. When the infection has been reduced, you will require a root canal. This is a reasonably pain-free procedure when performed by a competent dentist. Don't fear it.
Please do take my advice about getting a new dentist and ALWAYS keep your scheduled visits. Try to see a dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings. This prevents small cavities from becoming big cavities that require root canals. Maintenance is also cheaper than invasive dentistry.