I don't know what's wrong with my tooth — where to start

Diagnosing yourself is not your job

Deciding whether you need a filling, a root canal or a crown is not something you have to work out. That follows an examination and an X-ray. Describing what you feel, and since when, is enough.

How to describe the problem

The more specific the better — and without reaching for medical terms you are unsure of.

• Where it is — upper or lower, front or back, left or right.
• How long you have noticed it.
• When it appears — with cold, when chewing, only at night, constantly.
• Whether anything makes it better or worse.

What happens at the examination

The teeth and gums are examined, an X-ray is taken if needed, and what can be done is discussed. Only then is it clear which category the case belongs to — and whether the student you approached is looking for exactly that.

If you have a panoramic X-ray

Attach it to your request. It shows every tooth at once and lets the case be assessed in advance, which often saves a visit.