Why do you see a dentist for a toothache?

Why do you see a dentist for a toothache?

Often when one has an ache in their bodies, they will see a doctor (general practitioner) to find out the best course of action, however is that the case when you have a toothache?

While it seems logical to visit a doctor to treat the immediate symptoms of pain due to a toothache, unfortunately the underlying cause of that pain cannot be treated in that setting. This may allow the tooth to give you further problems in the future and in most cases will generally be referred on to a dental practitioner.

There are many causes for a toothache such as gingivitis/periodontitis, decay, clenching/grinding, dental abscess’, sinusitis etc. and a doctor may provide medication to help to treat the pain whether by suggesting/prescribing pain management or the prescription of antibiotics.

The treatment of pain before seeing a dentist can occasionally make accurate diagnosis of a tooth difficult and may delay treatment until a correct and detailed diagnosis can be made (often when the tooth exhibits signs of pain again).