Blog Post

IS A TOOTHACHE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

  • By admin
  • 08 Jun, 2018
You've probably heard your dentist talk about "dental emergencies" in the past. A dental emergency involves a condition that needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible, hopefully within the hour. A knocked-out tooth or mysterious bleeding after a dental procedure are both examples of dental emergencies. Random pain in the jaw or tooth can also be a dental emergency, depending on the characteristics of that pain.

You should know the different kinds of dental pain so you can know when to call a dentist in an emergency. These tips can help you understand what types of pain are most indicative of a dental emergency. 
Man Having A Toothache

Mild Pain, No Swelling

Mild pain without swelling, even if the pain is persistent, is usually not a dental emergency. Mild pain can happen because of gum recession, grinding teeth, or an injury to the face. Over-the-counter pain medications will often mask the pain long enough for the patient to see a dentist. However, pain medication is not a suitable long-term solution to mild dental pain. Pain that is not properly treated by a dentist can worsen over time.

When calling the dentist about the pain, take a moment to describe your condition to the appointment scheduler. The scheduler will make an effort to have you see the dentist within the week

Sharp Pain, No Swelling

Sharp pain without swelling in the face may be the result of gum recession, an exposed nerve, a cavity, or a cracked tooth. Sometimes sharp pain can also occur because of an abscess. An abscess is a dental emergency, but gum recession is not.

When calling the dental office to make an appointment, ask to speak to the dentist. He or she can help you decide whether or not you're having a dental emergency.

Severe Pain, Swelling

Severe pain and swelling in the face is a very strong indication of an abscess. An abscess is an infection in the gum or tooth. The source of the abscess is a pocket of pus which must be drained. An abscess that is left untreated can have very serious consequences. Without proper care, the abscess can spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw and head. If this happens, the abscess could even lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

An abscess also usually has other symptoms, not just pain. Some of the other symptoms of an abscess include:

  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sensitivity to pressure
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

If you have any of these symptoms, call a dentist right away and schedule an emergency dental exam. If at any point your mouth is filled with a salty, smelly liquid, this likely means that the abscess has ruptured. A ruptured abscess is likely to be followed by sudden pain relief. This does not mean that the dental emergency is over! You still need to see a dentist right away, even if the abscess has ruptured.

Keep your dentist's number plugged into your phone so you can contact him or her in the event of a dental emergency. If you're only able to speak with the scheduler, tell him or her that you need to see the dentist as soon as possible and describe your symptoms.

Contact a Reputable Dentist With More Questions

If you have more questions about different kinds of dental pain and what constitutes a dental emergency, contact a reputable dentist in your area. Your dentist can answer your questions and may give advice that will make you more comfortable while waiting for your appointment.

At Milwaukie Emergency Dentist, we're happy to answer any questions you might have about a tooth abscess. To find out more, contact us today.
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