I’ve been using Anbesol, ibuprofen, and cold packs on the side of my face for two months. Anbesol doesn’t help anymore. This morning, the toothache woke me up at 3:00 am. I am afraid that I will have an abscess. The last time I was at the dentist, I had to leave before treatment because I was so nervous. The dentist recommended that I agree to sedation, or he couldn’t do anything for me. I probably need sedation, but I don’t like how the dentist responded to my anxiety. I want to find another dentist, but can you tell me how much time I have before I’m forced to choose a dentist quickly? I don’t want any regrets and need to keep switching dentists. Thank you. Mike from DE

 

Mike,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. After an exam and an x-ray from Dr. Thomas, he could estimate when the tooth infection might worsen. As a tooth infection progresses, over-the-counter products, such as Anbesol®, become less effective, and you need professional care from a dentist. Below are some guidelines for finding a dentist to care for your tooth.

How Can You Find a New Dentist?

You can find a new dentist by asking friends or family for recommendations, visiting dentist’s websites, and checking patient reviews.

• Asking for recommendations – Someone you know may be a dentist’s long-time patient. So, ask friends, family members, or acquaintances for a recommendation. Also, ask if they have seen the dentist only for a routine exam or if the dentist has performed any procedures for them. Ask questions about the dentist’s chairside manner and whether they are gentle.
• Visit dentist’s websites – Look at the dental practice’s services and the dentist’s biography page. Services offered and a dentist’s training and background can help you understand their experience and treatment philosophy. Also, check the website for types of sedation the dentist provides.
• Patient reviews – Read Google reviews for each dentist to see what patients may or may not like about the care received.

If you have a tooth infection, you can expect the dentist to recommend root canal treatment, so look for the dentist’s training and experience in that area. After root canal treatment, you will likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth. A dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training can provide you with a natural-looking crown.

We encourage you to complete your search for a dentist as soon as possible to prevent an emergency and a rushed decision for a new dentist.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.