November 2018 - Ryan Perry, DDS

I have had a horrible canker sore for days. I normally have a pretty high pain tolerance, but last night, I was unable to eat dinner. The spot looks terrible and is the size of a corn kernel. It’s raised and red and white on top. I should mention that this is not the first canker sore I’ve experienced, but it’s definitely the worst canker sore I’ve ever had. Should I consult an emergency dentist? Or, would it be better to see my regular doctor?

Thanks,
Christine

Dear Christine,

If you have not yet tried any at-home canker sore remedies, it may be too soon for an emergency dentist. Typically, spots such as these heal themselves in a matter or 10-14 days. However, it’s a matter of managing the pain and discomfort until that time.

Many products can provide canker sore relief. A good starting point would be an oral anesthetic from the dental aisle of your local pharmacy or grocery store. Normally these come in a tube or gel-like pads that go on a tissue. If the canker sore appears to have become infected, a topical antiseptic should be applied to the area. Another option is a product made for killing germs, or do a rinse with part water, part hydrogen peroxide. Listerine works well, too, as some people have reported quick pain relief from it.

True canker sores can have many causes. Biting your cheek, injury, stress, allergies, or friction from dental tools, are some possible causes. In addition, there are other problems that may appear and feel like a canker sore, such as cancer or viruses. If you have several canker sores, it would be a good idea to see a doctor or dentist for an evaluation. If it doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks of developing the canker sore, or it the pain worsens, you should schedule a checkup. These appointments do not have to be with an emergency dentist unless the pain is unbearable.

This post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

I have had a crown for a little over a year. Unfortunately, the crown has since given me several problems and, a few months ago, a significant piece of the porcelain broke off. I hated this, obviously, but especially because it was so soon after having it done. I have returned to the dentist multiple times to have things adjusted, but now that it is completely broken, I am not sure what to do. I would rather not return to the same doctor since there have been so many issues since the original crown was placed. Because I am in pain and discomfort, not to mention it looks funny, I called an emergency dentist to see if the crown issues could be addressed and I was seen right away. Unfortunately, the dentist felt the original crown needed to be replaced. This is not something I have the money for, nor do I feel like I should have to pay for another crown that has had issues since the original appointment. I understand that it’s not the responsibility of the emergency dentist to incur the expense of fixing a broken crown, but am incredibly frustrated with the entire situation.

Any suggestions?
Steve

Dear Steve,

My apologies for all of the issues you have experienced with your crown. I know all of this is very frustrating. However, I do want to be sure you know that doctors have varying opinions on how to best proceed or address issues such as this. If the crown is broken, it is possible that it cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced. If this is, in fact, the case, I would suggest returning to the dentist who originally did the crown first. Hopefully, this would decrease the out of pocket expense on your end. Although there are some general rules to follow for the time dental procedure results should last, most dentists have their own ideas on this. For example, crowns, like the one you had placed, should last for at least five years. If an issue arises which requires a repair or replacement prior to that, it would be advisable for the dentist to consider not charging the patient, or at least reducing their portion. Going to a new practice would result in a similar cost unless it would be easier on your peace of mind to go to a new dentist. As a patient, you should expect a dentist to stand behind their treatment and the work they do, just as a dentist would want you to do your part to care for and maintain your teeth and come in for regular visits.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Should I see an emergency dentist for a canker sore?

What should I do if my crown broke?

Archives for November 2018