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PhrasesAt the Dentist

Italian Phrases: At the Dentist

27 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1

Ho mal di denti.

I have a toothache.

The first phrase to say when calling a dentist or arriving at the studio. It signals urgency and will usually get you a faster appointment.

A1

Ho bisogno di una visita urgente.

I need an urgent appointment.

Call the dentist and say this when you are in significant pain. It communicates the severity and increases the chance of a same-day slot.

A1

Questo dente mi fa male quando mangio.

This tooth hurts when I eat.

Describe the triggering condition of the pain. Important diagnostic information for the dentist.

A2

Ho perso un'otturazione.

I have lost a filling.

Report this as soon as it happens — call the dentist immediately. A lost filling exposes sensitive dentin and can get worse quickly.

A2

Ho bisogno di un'estrazione?

Do I need an extraction?

Ask the dentist when concerned about whether a tooth can be saved. A key decision-making question.

B1

Devo fare una devitalizzazione?

Do I need a root canal?

Ask when the dentist mentions treating the root. Important to understand what procedure is being proposed.

B1

Ho le gengive che sanguinano.

My gums are bleeding.

Report bleeding gums at your check-up or when calling for an appointment. It is a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.

A2

Posso avere l'otturazione bianca?

Can I have a white filling?

Request tooth-coloured composite resin fillings instead of silver amalgam. Common patient preference question.

A2

Vorrei sbiancare i denti.

I would like to whiten my teeth.

Request teeth whitening as an aesthetic treatment. Discuss options with the dentist before any at-home kits.

B1

Mio figlio deve fare l'apparecchio?

Does my son need braces?

Ask the dentist or orthodontist when concerned about a child's teeth alignment. A very common question in Italian dental studios.

B1

Quanto costa questa cura?

How much does this treatment cost?

Always ask before agreeing to treatment. Italian dentists are required to give a written estimate ('preventivo') on request.

A2

Ho molta paura del dentista.

I am very afraid of the dentist.

It is absolutely fine — and helpful — to tell your dentist about dental anxiety. They can adapt their approach, go slower, and explain each step.

A1

Devo fare una radiografia?

Do I need an X-ray?

The dentist may suggest an X-ray. You can ask proactively or to confirm why it is needed before agreeing.

A2

Mi fa ancora male dopo l'estrazione.

It still hurts after the extraction.

Call the dentist if pain persists more than 3-4 days after extraction, or if pain worsens after the first 2 days — this could indicate dry socket ('alveolite').

A2

Voglio informazioni sugli impianti dentali.

I want information about dental implants.

Ask this when considering replacing a missing tooth with an implant. A significant investment requiring detailed consultation.

B1

Ho problemi con la protesi.

I have problems with my denture.

Report issues with dentures at any dental visit. Ill-fitting dentures cause pain and difficulty eating.

A2

Devo fare la pulizia dei denti?

Do I need a professional teeth cleaning?

Ask at check-up time. Most Italian dental hygienists recommend cleaning every 6 months.

A2

Sto allattando. È sicuro fare l'anestesia?

I am breastfeeding. Is it safe to have anaesthesia?

Always inform the dentist if you are breastfeeding before any procedure involving anaesthetics or medications.

B1

Sono diabetico. Devo dirle qualcosa di speciale?

I am diabetic. Is there anything special I need to tell you?

Always disclose diabetes to your dentist — it affects healing, infection risk, and treatment planning.

B1

Posso avere l'anestesia?

Can I have anaesthesia?

Ask if you are unsure whether the procedure will be done with local anaesthetic. Always your right to request it.

A2

Mi hanno detto che ho una carie.

They told me I have a cavity.

Report what a previous dentist told you. Useful when visiting a new dentist and explaining existing conditions.

A2

Mi sono rotto un dente.

I broke a tooth.

Call the dentist immediately after breaking a tooth — especially if there is pain, the nerve is exposed, or you have a piece of the tooth.

A2

Ho il bruxismo.

I have bruxism (teeth grinding).

Tell the dentist if you know you grind your teeth at night or clench them during the day. Important for planning protective devices.

B1

I miei denti del giudizio stanno crescendo.

My wisdom teeth are coming in.

Describe wisdom tooth eruption to the dentist. Particularly relevant between ages 17-25. May require extraction if impacted.

B1

Vorrei fare una visita di controllo.

I would like to have a check-up.

When booking a routine dental appointment. The starting point for all dental care — prevention over cure.

A1

Ho la bocca sempre secca.

I always have a dry mouth.

Report this symptom to your dentist — dry mouth significantly increases cavity risk. Also tell your GP as it can indicate systemic conditions or medication side effects.

A2

Grazie dottore, ci vediamo al prossimo appuntamento.

Thank you doctor, see you at the next appointment.

Say this when leaving the dental studio after your appointment. Warm and natural way to close a visit.

A1