How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Dental Pain - Triage

Audience: adult

Dental pain can be caused by a variety of issues such as cavities, infections, or gum problems. Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely to discuss your symptoms and get advice on next steps. Preparing for your telemedicine visit can help the provider understand your condition better and guide you appropriately. While many dental concerns can be initially assessed via telemedicine, some situations require urgent in-person care. This guide helps you know how to prepare, what telemedicine can and cannot do for dental pain, and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe facial swelling or swelling spreading to the neck — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — call emergency services right away.
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth that does not stop after applying pressure — seek urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of dental pain symptoms.
• Advice on pain relief and home care.
• Determining urgency of dental problems.
• Follow-up consultations after dental procedures.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing dental procedures like fillings or extractions.
• Taking dental X-rays or imaging.
• Managing severe infections requiring intravenous antibiotics.
• Emergency airway or breathing problems related to dental issues.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your dental pain, including when it started, its severity, and any other symptoms like swelling or fever. They may request you show the affected area using your device's camera. Based on this information, they will suggest possible causes and recommend next steps, which may include home care, medications, or seeing a dentist in person.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection. Have a list of your symptoms, any medications you are taking, and questions you want to ask. Prepare to show your mouth or painful area clearly on camera if possible. Also, have a pen and paper ready to note advice or instructions.

When Telemedicine Is Helpful for Dental Pain

Telemedicine can help you understand the likely cause of your pain, provide advice on pain relief, and determine if you need to see a dentist urgently. It is useful for initial assessment, follow-up after dental procedures, and guidance on managing mild symptoms at home.

When You Need In-Person Dental Care

Certain signs require prompt in-person evaluation, such as severe pain that does not improve, visible swelling of the face or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, bleeding that won’t stop, or signs of infection like fever. Telemedicine cannot replace dental procedures like fillings, extractions, or X-rays.

Tips for Managing Dental Pain at Home Before Your Visit

You may try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, avoiding very hot or cold foods, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Avoid chewing on the painful side. Do not place aspirin or other medications directly on your gums as this can cause irritation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection.
• Have your device charged and camera ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when pain started and what makes it better or worse.
• Gather any medications you are currently taking.
• Be ready to show the painful area in your mouth via camera if possible.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the advice and treatment plan given by your healthcare provider.
• Take any recommended medications as directed.
• Schedule an in-person dental visit if advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek immediate care if red flags develop.
• Keep notes of any changes in your symptoms for follow-up visits.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit fix my dental pain?

Telemedicine can help identify possible causes of your dental pain and suggest treatments or next steps, but it cannot perform dental procedures that may be needed to fix the problem.

What should I do if my pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, seek in-person emergency care promptly.

Is it safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers for dental pain?

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often safe and can help manage dental pain. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Can I show my teeth on camera during the telemedicine visit?

Yes, showing the painful area using your device's camera can help your provider better understand your symptoms and offer more accurate advice.

When should I see a dentist in person?

You should see a dentist promptly if you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, signs of infection, or if your symptoms do not improve with initial care.

Sources

1. Dental Health — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Oral Health: Healthy Teeth and Gums — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Dental Emergencies — Mayo Clinic.
4. Dental Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person evaluation and care by a healthcare professional. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical attention.