When Should You See An Emergency Dentist? Treatment And Prevention Of Toothache.
Introduction
Toothaches can cause a lot of pain. A severe toothache can cause fever, headaches, and high sensitivity to temperatures. When should you see an emergency dentist? How can you treat a toothache?
This post answers pertinent questions on severe toothache. Do well to follow through.
What Is Toothache?
Toothache can be a sharp pain or inflammation around the tooth; it makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or rest. Toothache can also be a symptom of a cavity, dental abscess, or gum disease. Symptoms of toothache include fever, swelling around the gum, or throbbing pain
When Is Toothache severe?
Sometimes toothache comes and goes, especially after applying pressure. Toothache is said to be severe when the pain lasts more than one to two days. Other symptoms of severe toothache include fever, headache, earache, and pain when you open your mouth wide. Also, if your tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or sensitivity to chewing, the toothache is severe
When Is Toothache An Emergency?
A severe toothache can lead to an emergency, especially when other symptoms like high fever, uncontrollable bleeding, and swelling in other parts of the face.
What Can Severe Toothache Cause?
A toothache is not fatal. However, having untreated infections can spread, causing illnesses that may be life-threatening.
When Should You See An Emergency Dentist?
You should see an emergency dentist when you experience any of the following
- Severe pain after pulling your teeth
- Consistent pain even after using over-the-counter pain relievers
- Pain in swelling gums and face
- A discharge around the tooth
- Broken or knocked-out tooth
- Pain in the jaw or anything you open your mouth
- You have trouble swallowing
- Your wisdom teeth are causing pain
Emergency Dentists Near Me
A severe toothache can occur at any time. Therefore, there are clinics set up to attend to emergencies around the clock. You can find emergency dentists around you through search engines. Just search for emergency dentists near me, and the search engine will provide a list.
What should I Do Before Seeing An Emergency Dentist?
After scheduling an appointment with an emergency dentist, there are some things you should do in the meantime before seeing the dentist.
- Stay calm
- Rinse the mouth with warm water to reduce bleeding
- If bleeding continues, apply pressure on the bleeding area with a gauze or clean rag
- Use pain relievers like ibuprofen to relieve pain. Avoid aspirin because it is a blood thinner and will cause more bleeding
- Use an ice pack or cold compress on the area with dental damage
What Does An Emergency Dentist Do?
When you meet with a dentist for your toothache, the dentist first discusses your symptoms and previous medical history. The dentist also outlines how the pain developed and the region where you’re feeling the pain. Emergency dentists in Scottsdale, AZ can help treat toothaches.
Treatment of toothache by the dentist depends on the cause of the toothache. Some toothache treatments include;
- Deep cleaning: if food sticks under the gums, deep cleaning is necessary, followed by gum therapy
- Antibiotics: for fever and swelling of the guns, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics
- Root canal: if there is an infection of the tooth nerve by bacteria, the dentist prescribes a root canal. A root canal is a procedure that removes and replaces infected pulp with sealing material
- Cavity: in case of a cavity, the dentist fills it and takes out the tooth if necessary.
How To Prevent Toothache?
Prevention is always better than cure. General oral hygiene can prevent toothaches. The steps below can help prevent toothaches.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- See a dentist twice a year for professional cleaning
- Reduce sugary foods and drinks.
Conclusion
A severe toothache can lead to emergencies. Oral hygiene is necessary for preventing toothache. However, in the event of toothaches, there are emergency dentists near you that can help out.