Expert answers
We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.
I have toothache, will my dentist have to extract it?
hi, I have a tooth that is giving me tooth ache and it hurts on and off from day to day. but I do not want to go to the dentist because I think the dentist will just extract the tooth and that for me is just the worst thing that can happen, not loosing the teeth but the actual loosing of the tooth if you will. Will the dentist just remove a tooth thats aching? what are the causes of toothache and do all outcomes & treatments lead to having it extracted? if you could help me that would be amazing just to know what was going to potentially happen could potentially relive some anxiety – unless it has to be extracted, is there anything I can do if it has to be extracted to make it easier? cheers once again
It is certainly not the case that just because a tooth is hurting you it will have to be extracted, there are lots of things that can be done to save a tooth these days.
A lot of people imagine that a dentist can carry out treatment without explaining it first, but that is simply not true. Your dentist will need to have a look at you first and then discuss the different options available with you first. It will then be your choice what you decide to do – the dentist can’t treat you without your permission as that is against the law!
Toothache can be caused by dental decay or trauma, or sometimes by gum infections (which can on occasion give pain). The important thing to know is that toothache is your bodies way of telling you there is a problem, and you need to see a dentist to find out what exactly the problem is and what can be done to treat it before it is too late.
From what you have told me I expect the dentist will have a look at your mouth and probably take an x-ray to get a clearer idea of what the cuse of your pain is, and what treatment might be best to help you keep the tooth. They will then explain it to you, and through the options which will depend on how extensive the decay is (if that is the problem). You will then have to consider what has been said and let your dentist know what you want to do – remember the decision rests with you.
I hope this will help you overcome your anxiety – please remember that your dentist is a professional and will want to help you , and will also be just as keen to avoid you losing a tooth as you are.
Very best of luck.
Simon
