Why Won’t my surgery help?

QI have toothache and went to see my GP, but they wouldn’t give me antibiotics. I know they work, so why not?

Philippa says:

APut simply, GPS are doctors not dentists and we don’t know very much at all about teeth! Doctors have to work within the limits of their expertise – after all, you don’t want a gynaecologist operating on your shoulder! They’re also not insured to treat dental conditions, but they can prescribe painkillers to keep you pain free until you see either an emergency specialist or your own dentist. Toothache that causes a dental abscess may need antibiotic treatment, but your dentist is able to prescribe antibiotics and will then treat the underlying cause, which is generally tooth decay.