emergency dentist Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Is a Salivary Gland Stone Causing Radiating Ear Pain?

Posted on February 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Man holding his ear portraying radiating ear pain, which salivary gland stones do not cause Last year, I switched from my dentist to a holistic dentist who replaced a mercury filling with a composite in a lower left back molar. Since then, I have felt pain in the area that radiates into my year. I felt a slight pain before the new filling, but it’s worse now. My dentist said I might have a salivary gland stone. Could I have a cavity beneath the new filling? Maybe I should find another dentist to see me today or tomorrow. – Thank you. Tyler

Tyler,

The symptoms of a salivary gland stone do not match what you describe. It sounds like a toothache. Many dentists offer emergency appointments for patients with escalating toothaches.

What Is a Salivary Gland Stone?

A salivary gland stone is a calcification (hardened minerals) in the salivary gland or the tubes that drain the glands. Calcification hinders salivary flow and can cause salivary inflammation. Although the cause of calcification is unknown, it is associated with dehydration, trauma inside a tooth, smoking, and gum disease.

Do Salivary Gland Stones Cause Radiating Ear Pain?

Salivary duct calcification would cause swelling or pain in salivary ducts, but the pain would not radiate in your ear. The ducts are under the tongue and in the middle of each cheek. An X-ray can reveal salivary duct inflammation.

Radiating ear pain sounds like a toothache. You can get a second opinion on your holistic dentist’s diagnosis. A second-opinion dentist will check the tooth with the new composite filling.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

How Long Can I Use Anbesol for My Toothache Before It’s An Emergency?

Posted on February 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I started having pain in a bottom left molar about two months ago, but I kept taking Aleve, and it helped. Anbesol also seems to help if I use it with Aleve but not by itself. I didn’t call my dentist (2 hours away) about it because I hoped it would go away. Besides that, I got scared about what might be happening to my tooth, and I hate drills or anything else that goes along with getting a tooth fixed. I have pain and swelling in my tooth.

Right now, the swelling is worse than the pain. I thought the jaw pan was TMJ, but my mom says it’s an infection. I’m swamped with classes at UGA and am afraid of falling further behind with this tooth issue. Can I wait another week or two, or do I have to try to find another dentist? Also, is there anything else I can do at home to maybe calm things down because I really prefer to see my dentist? – Thanks. Rylan from Georgia

Rylan – You should not put off making a dental appointment. Your tooth is infected and will worsen until it is treated. Although your jaw pain may have felt like TMJ symptoms, the infection is probably causing bone pain.

How Long Can You Keep Using Anbesol for Your Toothache?

If you began to feel tooth pain two months ago, it is time to stop using Anbesol and see a dentist. An untreated can also affect other teeth. The infection can spread into the bloodstream and become life-threatening as time progresses. You may be able to quickly get a recommendation on a dentist from a friend or family member. Many dentists accept emergency appointments. Look online for an experienced dentist who accepts emergency appointments. They will examine your tooth and stop the pain. The dentist will explain your treatment plan. You can expect root canal treatment, and you will probably need a dental crown to protect the tooth.

Get your infection treated quickly.

San Antonio prosthodontist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.

Porcelain Veneers While Pregnant?

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I just found out I am 9 weeks pregnant. Three weeks ago, I had porcelain veneers done. One of the things my doctor said when he told me I was pregnant was not to have dental work done in the first trimester. I almost stopped breathing. Did I do something that hurt the baby?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Before anything, let me say congratulations! It is a wonderful thing to be a parent. Next, is to take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. One of the things dentists are taught in dental school is to try to schedule dental work for women who are pregnant only during the second trimester. This is because, during the first trimester, the reason for that is it is during this early time of pregnancy that the child is the most vulnerable. During the third trimester, you are usually so big (which is perfectly normal because the baby is growing and healthy) that is isn’t comfortable for the mama, so we try to limit getting the work done during trimester two when you will be most comfortable.

The caution for the baby in the first trimester is you do not want to introduce a chemical into the body that can harm the child at its most vulnerable stage. To put your mind at ease. There is nothing harmful to a child that is used during the porcelain veneer procedure. At most, your dentist will use Lidocaine. This topical anesthetic is completely safe and can be used during delivery. Nothing in that procedure will have harmed your child.

I would go ahead and schedule your check-up and cleaning for the second trimester, but this is more for your comfort than anything else. One exception to the second trimester-only rule would be in the case of a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth or a tooth infection. When a tooth is infected, you need to get treatment. Not only will the infection continue to spread until the infected pulp is removed, but leaving that bacteria will spread to your baby and has been linked to low birth weight.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Prosthodontist Dr. Tostado.

Should I Reschedule Getting my Porcelain Crowns?

Posted on May 22, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi there,

Last year, I started the process for getting dental implants. First I had a bone graft, then had the implant surgically placed. Now that I’ve healed up, I can finally get my porcelain crown placed. However, my crown placement appointment is right in the middle of a pandemic! I’m eager to get my crown, but I’m not sure if it counts as “essential”. It’s essential to me, but I can live a little longer without it if necessary. However, a lot of non-essential businesses are reopening, so I’m considering keeping my appointment. Should I keep it, or reschedule it? I’m not sure what to do.

Shayne, from Cleveland, OH

Hi Shayne,

This is a stressful and confusing time for everyone. CDC guidelines advise against any non-essential excursions, but stop short of actually explaining what that means. What is non-essential to some may be essential to others, so to avoid confusion, the CDC kept it vague.

If you were having a toothache or pain, you would go in to see your dentist right away for an emergency. If your jaw has fully healed and you are not in pain, you can probably reschedule your appointment with no issue. However, if you have had to change your eating habits since the surgery and cannot eat without discomfort, you may want to keep it. Dental implants are more than just aesthetic – they are replacements for your natural teeth that your mouth needs in order to function. There is no right or wrong answer here, it really is up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing.

Dental offices, like most businesses, are taking extra precautions during these unpredictable times. You will likely need to wear a mask or face covering to your appointment, and practice social distancing in the waiting room.

One thing you can do is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to tell you whether you can safely reschedule or if you should still keep your appointment. They know you best, and can help guide you to make the best decision for you. You can also ask about any new guidelines or procedures that have recently been put in place.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.