Which kind of doctor should I see for a possible mouth infection?
November 17, 2010 9:21 AM Subscribe
Which doctor should I go to if I think I have an infection in my mouth: a dentist or a physician?
I think I might have an infected Stenson's Duct (warning: photos of mouth infections). I've got a red and white lump in about the right place on the interior of my cheek. Which doctor is more appropriate for dealing with this kind of infection: dentist or physician?
I think I might have an infected Stenson's Duct (warning: photos of mouth infections). I've got a red and white lump in about the right place on the interior of my cheek. Which doctor is more appropriate for dealing with this kind of infection: dentist or physician?
The answer for health related issues is almost always going to be: "Go see a doctor damn it." But clearly that can be expensive in many parts of the world.
However:
If you've got a family doctor, give them a call. They can advise you better on that. They might even be able to advise over the phone if you can't make it in, but I'd expect them to be reluctant to do so.
Doctors definitely do deal with throat infections and such.
posted by Stagger Lee at 9:26 AM on November 17, 2010
However:
If you've got a family doctor, give them a call. They can advise you better on that. They might even be able to advise over the phone if you can't make it in, but I'd expect them to be reluctant to do so.
Doctors definitely do deal with throat infections and such.
posted by Stagger Lee at 9:26 AM on November 17, 2010
Best answer: Given that my medical insurance is a hell of a lot better than my dental insurance - and my MD is easier to get in to see than my dentist - I'd be going to the MD.
If that's the case for you, I'd go the same route.
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 9:29 AM on November 17, 2010
If that's the case for you, I'd go the same route.
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 9:29 AM on November 17, 2010
Depending on your insurance, you've probably got better coverage for a regular doctor visit than for a dentist visit.
posted by amyms at 9:29 AM on November 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by amyms at 9:29 AM on November 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Add me to the chorus of "Whichever will be cheaper for you."
posted by TooFewShoes at 9:33 AM on November 17, 2010
posted by TooFewShoes at 9:33 AM on November 17, 2010
My dentist handles my teeth and my MD handles everything behind and below the teeth. Their work overlaps in my gums and jaw, so I would say a physician.
or a which doctor!
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:35 AM on November 17, 2010
or a which doctor!
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:35 AM on November 17, 2010
See if you can find an Oral Pathologist.
posted by overeducated_alligator at 11:32 AM on November 17, 2010
posted by overeducated_alligator at 11:32 AM on November 17, 2010
It is unlikely that you have an infected Stenson's duct (because, it is a rare occurance...). It is more likely that you have an inflamed duct, or that you bit your cheek.
My prejudice (and it may be too late), is, of course, that you see a dentist. We look at cheeks all day every day, and in the off chance that you have something truly worrisome (and I hope that you do not), a dentist would be able to numb you and biopsy the area immediately, while a physician probably would not.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:39 PM on November 17, 2010
My prejudice (and it may be too late), is, of course, that you see a dentist. We look at cheeks all day every day, and in the off chance that you have something truly worrisome (and I hope that you do not), a dentist would be able to numb you and biopsy the area immediately, while a physician probably would not.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:39 PM on November 17, 2010
Response by poster: In case anyone is at the edge of their seats wondering, I do indeed have an infected Stenson's duct, and now have an antibiotic prescription as well. Hooray for medicine!
posted by ocherdraco at 1:11 PM on November 18, 2010
posted by ocherdraco at 1:11 PM on November 18, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by infinitywaltz at 9:25 AM on November 17, 2010