Dental Pain

Summary: <br> Minor complaint. Huge SLOE points!<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 1: Identify Which Tooth is Causing Pain<br> <br> <br> <br> * Bonus points if you number teeth correctly!* Number 1-32* Tooth #1 is top right* Tooth #32 is bottom right* Refer to dental chart for reference<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 2: Correct Terminology When Making Diagnosis<br> <br> <br> <br> * Pulpitis* Pain in the tooth itself* Reversible* Triggered by hot/cold etc (then goes away)* Irreversible* Does not resolve* Gingivitis* Pain of the gingiva around the tooth* Periapical abscess* Pain with percussion of tooth<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 3: Give Pain Medicine<br> <br> <br> <br> * NSAIDS have been shown to work best* Naproxen* Ibuprofen* Opiates for breakthrough pain* Hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Norco)* Oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet)<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 4: Consider Antibiotics<br> <br> <br> <br> * Pulpitis does not require antibiotics* Gingivitis/Periapical abscess frequently improve on antibiotics* Penicillin VK<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 5: Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block<br> <br> <br> <br> * Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLXwq2xn5YA">HERE</a><br> <br> <br> <br> Additional Reading<br> <br> <br> <br> * Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLXwq2xn5YA">(YouTube)</a>* Common Dental Emergencies <a href="https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0201/p511.html">(AFP)</a><br>