Finding a good dentist means finding one who suits your particular needs and preferences. Read on for tips and guidance on making this important health decision.

ntense, temporary tooth pain is an indication of a problem that will likely require a visit to a dentist. Pain that flares up for no apparent reason and then disappears could signal a dead or dying nerve due to infection. While this requires prompt attention, the good news is that a dentist can help solve the problem.

According to the American Dental Association, about 2 million people visit emergency departments each year for non-traumatic dental conditions. At first glance, a trip to the emergency room for a tooth problem might seem excessive, but many people simply don’t have other immediate options when severe dental pain hits.

If you notice pink in the sink when brushing or flossing, you’re not alone. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest—and most common—signs of gum inflammation. While minor bleeding can often be soothed with simple at-home remedies, persistent symptoms may point to a deeper issue like gingivitis or even early gum disease.

A permanent crown can take several weeks to make. A temporary crown is used to protect the tooth in the meantime while maintaining proper spacing to ensure the permanent crown fits properly.

When a bracket breaks, a wire pokes, or your child’s mouth starts hurting out of nowhere, it can feel like an emergency, but not every orthodontic issue needs a middle-of-the-night ER visit. The key is knowing what’s serious, what can wait, and how to relieve pain safely at home. 

If you’ve just had a tooth pulled, eating may be the last thing on your mind, but nourishing your body is a key part of recovery. The right foods, at the right times, can help you heal faster and avoid painful complications like dry socket. The wrong ones can set you back days.

A temporary filling typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks, but this can vary widely. Depending on the material used, where it’s located, and how well you care for it, it can last up to 3 months. If you chew hard foods or grind your teeth, it can fall out within a few days.

Not only is a tooth abscess painful, but it can also be dangerous. But when you’re uninsured and in severe dental pain, cost can feel like the biggest barrier between you and relief.