My dentist is not gentle. Well he is really not still my dentist because I haven’t been there for 2 years. I have a bad, bad toothache and am wondering if I go to the emergency room if they will knock me out and pull my tooth. My thoughts are this is a better and faster way than trying to find a new dentist. Thanks Baron.

Baron – Emergency rooms are equipped to handle all sorts of medical emergencies. But they are not prepared to handle dental emergencies.

Emergency room staff are not trained to examine and assess the issues with your tooth. Dental x-ray equipment is not available, nor is a sterile environment for oral care. At best, you may be given pain reliever.

Your tooth may not need to be extracted. And if it can be preserved, it’s best to do so for your overall oral health. Missing teeth cause jawbone shrinkage and cause other teeth to shift. When your bite is misaligned, you incur additional problems.

If you choose not to return to your most recent dentist, you can search for a gentle dentist who accepts emergency appointments. The pain you’ve described indicates that your tooth is infected, so don’t delay getting the treatment. If you have dental anxiety, it can be addressed with mild anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during your appointment. Take a little time to find the right dentist for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.