Contrary to what many people think, an occasional toothache isn’t normal. It’s a symptom of an underlying problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Although many factors contribute to dental pain, toothaches are often caused by an infection. If it isn’t treated in a timely manner, losing your tooth will be the least of your concerns. If you wait too long to see an emergency dentist, you can face life-threatening complications.
A Toothache is a Dental Emergency
1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency annually. They don’t always result from accidents or injuries. Often, an untreated dental problem is the culprit, which can cause a persistent toothache.
A small issue, like a cavity, can turn into a dental emergency if it isn’t treated. Decay and bacteria can reach your pulp, which is the inner layer of your tooth. It can lead to a serious infection that can spread from your tooth to surrounding tissues. It can also enter your bloodstream and affect brain activity. It can increase your risk of a potentially deadly infection.
Signs You Have a Tooth Infection
An infected tooth can cause many symptoms, including:
- Throbbing discomfort
- Pain when placing pressure on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Fever
- Swelling in the throat, face, or gums
- Pimple-like bump near a tooth
Treating a Toothache
Don’t wait to see if your toothache goes away. If your pain subsides, it may mean your tooth has died and will need to be removed. Instead, contact your dentist right away. They’ll get you into the office to examine your mouth. Your dentist will find the source of your pain to create a personalized treatment plan, like a root canal.
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth. Your dentist uses special dental instruments to extract your pulp. Your tooth is sterilized and sealed using a material called gutta-percha. Your dentist may place a crown over your tooth for an added layer of protection.
Although root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, you won’t have any discomfort while in the dentist’s chair. They’ll administer a local anesthetic to block any pain signals to ensure your comfort. While you won’t feel anything during your procedure, your mouth may be a little tender for a few days.
A toothache doesn’t have to ruin your day or put your life at risk. Contact an emergency dentist to safeguard your tooth from extraction and restore your oral health.
About Dr. Shue Her
Dr. Her earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has completed advanced education in various specialties, including IV sedation, gum disease treatment, and CEREC. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through his website or call (470) 228-4977.