Is taking extra dose of painkiller after tooth removal safe?
Hi doctor,
Before 25 years, I had root canal treatment on my lower second molar. As I had a broken canal on the same tooth, it was surgically removed a few days ago. The stitches have healed, but still I have pain. The medication reduces pain, but I am worried as if I am taking an extra dose of Panadeine (combination of Paracetamol and Codeine) capsules. That is, I am taking two 10 mg tablets four times per day. Is it safe?
25 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Why is there pain in opposite tooth after root canal treatment?
Hi doctor,
I did a root canal before a couple of days. But I have pain in the exact upper tooth of the root canaled tooth. I have attached the X-ray after the first sitting of the root canal. Please suggest.
01 Mar 2024 - 1 min read
Why dentists do not use Bupivacaine for nerve block?
Hi doctor,
Is there a reason why dentists typically do not use Bupivacaine for nerve block for dental procedures? So far, only one dentist used it for me. While it had a slow onset, I was pain free for almost 8 hours. I did not need to take as many narcotic analgesics afterwards. I have really severe anxiety when it comes to dentistry due to dental trauma and painful procedures. Bupivacaine helped ease my anxiety about post procedure pain. I have asked every dentist I have seen to use Bupivacaine. But, they have always chosen Carbocaine. I also have a vasovagal response to epinephrine and Bupivicaine formulations have a lower ratio of epinephrine as compared to Mepivacaine and Lidocaine. I have always informed them of my response to epinephrine, but they still always chosen Carbocaine (Mepivacaine). Is there a pharmacological justification for not using it? Or is it just provider preference? Is there a way I can advocate for myself as a patient? I work in a pharmacy, so I am familiar with a lot of these medications. Thank you for your thoughts on this.
21 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
There is a little green thing in the hole left behind after tooth removal. What is it?
Hello doctor,
I had a tooth removed from the back left of my mouth two weeks ago and I have been doing everything the dentist told me to do but I looked in it before and the hole is white but there is a little green thing in the shape of a square sitting on top which I think has been there since the tooth was removed. I was just wondering if you had an idea what it might be because I have looked online and I cannot find anything and now my brain is making me think it is something bad.
17 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
Can one adjust an orthodontic appliance on their own?
Hi doctor,
I employed pliers to gently compress the Adams clasp on my metal retainer with the pink palate. The reason for this was that the retainer had become loose, and I noticed my front teeth were starting to develop gaps. I am curious if this adjustment will help bring my front teeth back together.
13 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
