Preparing for an appointment

Make an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible if you develop new or worsening pain after a tooth extraction.

What you can do

To get ready for your appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Key personal information, such as any medical conditions you have
• All medications you take, including vitamins, herbs or other supplements, and the dosages
• Questions to ask your dentist or oral surgeon to make the most of your time together

Some questions to ask your dentist or oral surgeon may include:

• What are the likely causes of my pain?
• Do I need any tests?
• What type of treatment will I likely need to improve my symptoms?
• What can I take for the pain?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
• How soon will I feel better?
• How long should I wait to eat or drink after this procedure?
• Are there any restrictions I need to follow?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
• Are there any websites you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you these questions:

• When did the severe pain begin?
• Does the pain occur on its own or does it happen when you drink or touch the area?
• How would you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe?
• Where is the pain located?
• Have you taken pain relievers? What dosage and how often?
• Have the pain relievers helped to some degree?
• Do you have any other symptoms that seem unrelated to your dental pain?
• Have you had a fever?