If you’re at your wits’ end with tonsil stones, it may be time to go visit a tonsil stone removal doctor…
Tonsil stones can be a difficult thing to deal with on your own, especially if you can’t figure out what’s causing them or if you’re having trouble removing them on your own.
A doctor who has proper knowledge of the tonsils will be able to remove the tonsil stones efficiently.
So, what doctor can remove tonsil stones? If you want to get your tonsil stones removed by a doctor, visit an Otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ENT (ear, nose, throat). An ENT specializes in treating problems with the ears, nose and throat. An ENT can use proper tools to carefully remove tonsil stones without damaging the tonsils. They can also talk to you about tonsil procedures, such as the tonsillectomy, that can permanently get rid of tonsil stones.
Go To An ENT For Tonsil Stones:
An ENT, also known as an Otolaryngologist, is a doctor that specializes in conditions pertaining to the ear, nose and throat. An ENT is the right doctor to go to for any problem you may be experiencing with your tonsils, including tonsil stones.
What Can an ENT Do For My Tonsil Stones?
Remove Tonsil Stones: An ENT can remove tonsil stones using curettage. This means using a curette to scoop out tonsil stones. In some cases, a topical or local anesthesia may be used on the tonsil to avoid pain when removing large tonsil stones.
Prescribe Antibiotics: An ENT can prescribe antibiotics for tonsil stones, though it’s generally not recommended as tonsil stones are difficult to target with medication. Antibiotics may provide some relief, but it’s likely that the tonsil stones will return once the course of antibiotics is completed. It’s also possible that the antibiotics will not work at all.
Tonsil stones are sometimes caused by illnesses such as tonsillitis. In this case, antibiotics would be recommended to clear up the illness, thus getting rid of the tonsil stones.
Tonsil Surgery: Though it’s usually recommended to treat tonsil stones at home; an ENT may offer tonsil surgery as a permanent solution to getting rid of tonsil stones. Procedures that can be done include:
- Tonsillectomy: The tonsils are completely removed.
- Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis: A laser is used to partially remove and resurface the tonsils.
Offer Home Remedies: Many ENTs do not believe it’s necessary to treat tonsil stones with medication or surgery due to their harmless nature. In this case, the doctor may offer home treatment solutions such as gargling warm salt water, diet changes and other home remedies.
Will A Dentist Remove Tonsil Stones?
It’s possible, yet unlikely that a dentist will remove tonsil stones.
This may come as a surprise since dentists work in the mouth and deal with issues of oral hygiene. However, they do not specialize in problems pertaining to the throat and tonsils like an ENT does.
Although it seems like dentists have all the right tools to remove tonsil stones, they might not have enough knowledge or experience to properly remove them. They will most likely refer the patient to an ENT if asked about tonsil stones.
Will My Primary Doctor Remove Tonsil Stones?
Your primary doctor may remove tonsil stones, but chances are slim compared to an ENT. It’s best to give them a call and ask before coming in to ensure that they will have a solution and/or to avoid a costly visit.
However, it’s likely that your primary doctor will refer you to an ENT to address the issue; so you may want to check with your doctor if your medical insurance requires you to have a referral to see other medical professionals.
Will A Walk-In Clinic Remove Tonsil Stones?
A walk-in clinic will most likely not remove your tonsil stones as they will probably not have the right tools and knowledge to remove them.
However, a walk-in clinic is a fine option if you’re experiencing discomfort from your tonsils. They will be able to tell you if you have any other issues such as swelling or an infection. Based on what they find, they will be able to provide you with proper medication or protocol to ease the issue.
Will A Naturopathic Doctor Remove Tonsil Stones?
A naturopathic doctor will most likely not remove tonsil stones.
However, tonsil stones are most commonly advised to be treated with natural, home remedies. So a naturopathic doctor may be able to offer effective solutions for dealing with tonsil stones and other tonsil-related issues at home.
Do I Need To Go To Urgent Care For Tonsil Stones?
No! Urgent care is not necessary for tonsil stones.
Although tonsil stones can be burdensome, they are inherently harmless and rarely require a doctor at all.
You do not need to go to urgent care for tonsil stones unless you have an emergency (such as excessive bleeding from the tonsils, but this is extremely unlikely to be caused by tonsil stones!).
Can I Get Rid Of Tonsil Stones Without A Doctor?
Yes! It’s very possible to get rid of tonsil stones without a doctor. In fact, tonsil stones are usually able to be treated at home with no problem.
Tonsil stones are harmless to human health, so it’s normally unnecessary to go to a doctor for help. But in some rare cases, tonsil stones can be so burdensome that a surgical procedure may be necessary.
This is very rare and is usually not suggested due to the harmless nature of tonsil stones. BUT in some cases, a surgical procedure may be the best option for getting rid of tonsil stones.
Otherwise, you can get rid of tonsil stones at home to avoid doctor bills or surgical procedures. Check out these top recommended products for getting rid of tonsil stones at home:
Top Product Recommendations For Getting Rid Of Tonsil Stones:
Waterpik Water Flosser: Safely and easily remove tonsil stones with a water flosser. Point the water flosser at the crevices where the tonsils tones are located. The steady stream of water will dislodge the tonsil stones and cleanse the area (learn more here).
TheraBreath 24-Hour Oral Rinse: Oxygenating daily mouth wash that helps fight tonsil stone and bad-breath causing bacteria.
TheraBreath Deluxe Tonsil Stone Kit: A dentist-created kit that has everything you need to fight against tonsil stones.
Airgoesin Tonsil Stone Removal Tool Kit: A kit that comes with a light up tool that’ll help you easily locate and dislodge tonsil stones.
Tongue Scraper: Remove bacteria and bad breath causing residue that lives on the surface of the tongue.
Want more information? Check out these articles for more at-home tonsil stone treatments: