Dental Pain

Minor complaint. Huge SLOE points!



Step 1: Identify Which Tooth is Causing Pain



* 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



Step 2: Correct Terminology When Making Diagnosis



* 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



Step 3: Give Pain Medicine



* NSAIDS have been shown to work best* Naproxen* Ibuprofen* Opiates for breakthrough pain* Hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Norco)* Oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet)



Step 4: Consider Antibiotics



* Pulpitis does not require antibiotics* Gingivitis/Periapical abscess frequently improve on antibiotics* Penicillin VK



Step 5: Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block



* Watch HERE



Additional Reading



* Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (YouTube)* Common Dental Emergencies (AFP)