Dentistry/Tooth Pain

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Question
Recently I have been having a lot of pain on the top right side of my mouth.  It goes from the one next to my front tooth all the way to the one next to my wisdom tooth (I have all 4 and no one has wanted to pull them yet).  It is not present when I have been asleep but by the end of the day it is so achey that I usually end up either slathering the whole area with ambesol or taking pain killers.  It's usually throbbing by then.  It's an achey sort of pain and what's strange is pressure makes it stop.  If i push on my teeth or put floss between them they temporarily stop hurting but I think doing that sort of thing just causes more pain in the long run.  I'm not sure what kind of dentist to go to since the last few i've seen haven't been able to help me with pretty basic issues and don't understand why my teeth are sensitive to alcohol and why I can't chew on my left side even though there seems to be nothing wrong and why a tooth with no cavities has sweetness sensitivity.  Every part of my mouth has a different issue.  The front teeth are so sensitive to cold that i can't breathe with my mouth open. I already use Sensodine daily and have for a long time and I can't use Rx sensitivity paste because I'm breastfeeding.  I don't know what else to do.  Please help!  Any advice?  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Kristin:  One or more of your teeth are infected.  You need to go to a dentist as soon as you can.  Any dentist that is competent will do.  If you are concerned only with pain, you can see an endodontist for a root canal to keep the infected tooth, or an oral surgeon to have it removed.  But a good dentist should be able to help you resolve all these problems.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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