Visit an Emergency Dentist for Extreme Tooth Pain

If you have a toothache causing terrible pain, you may need to visit the emergency dentist. Minor toothaches can be adequately controlled with home treatments and over-the-counter toothache solutions, so you may not need to see an emergency dentist.

When to seek emergency dental treatment

When dealing with a toothache, the underlying reason and symptoms indicate whether emergency dental treatment is necessary. A toothache is a pain that comes from the tooth. A toothache's intensity can fluctuate, and it is frequently proportionate to the degree of the problem that is causing it.

The teeth might become sensitive to sugary, hot, and cold meals and drinks. Here are a few indications and symptoms that a toothache needs immediate dental attention.

Persistent, severe pain: A toothache that will not go away and becomes worse might indicate a significant dental problem, such as an abscessed tooth. If the pain is severe enough that over-the-counter toothache relievers are ineffective, a trip to the emergency dentist is required. The tooth pain may also be aggravated by pressure application. When a tooth is touched or used to bite down on anything, it may hurt. This might indicate a significant cavity or a failing dental restoration. Both cases need urgent treatment.

Gum bleeds and inflammation: Gum bleeding, particularly when swelling, might be a sign of periodontal disease or infection.

Strange taste in the mouth: A terrible taste or odor in the mouth that lasts all day might indicate that a tooth is diseased or badly decaying. This might result in the discharge of toxins with a foul odor and taste.

Swollen jaw: Swelling around the neck and jaw might indicate that an infection is spreading to other body regions. This is a major health problem because infection in vital organs such as the brain may be fatal.

The most common causes of toothaches that need immediate treatment

The following are a few prevalent dental issues that might result in severe toothaches.

Tooth decay

Cavities are tiny holes that occur on the surfaces of teeth due to tooth decay. These cavities will continue to worsen until the pulp chamber is compromised, exposing the pulp chamber's contents to bacteria and acids in the oral cavity. Small cavities typically only cause mild toothaches, but extensive tooth decay can cause extreme toothaches and if left untreated, tooth infection.

Infected teeth

An infected tooth is typically accompanied by excruciating toothaches that must be treated. Fortunately, an emergency dentist can treat the infection by performing a root canal or in rare situations, removing the tooth.

Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gums around a tooth, commonly a third molar. It is also common in molars that are only partly erupted and have a flap of gum tissue concealing the tooth.

Dental trauma

Accidents like an automobile crash may result in loose or knocked-out teeth. Patients with these issues should get treatment as soon as possible, particularly if a tooth is knocked out. The injury might also cause a fractured jaw or facial bone.

If the injury is accompanied by blood and severe discomfort, it is necessary to seek emergency care. This is generally an indicator that the pulp chamber has been damaged. An emergency dentist may treat the tooth by conducting a root canal on it and then crowning it.

Loose or broken dental restoration

Permanent or temporary restorations like a filling or crown might cause tooth discomfort and gum irritation.

Wisdom teeth issues

Erupting wisdom teeth might cause significant pain, and if this is the case, an emergency trip might not be necessary. If the wisdom tooth has not emerged, it might be crowning. The discomfort is constant due to the continuous pressure that it places on the adjacent teeth and gums. It is advisable to visit the dentist to ensure that the growth is progressing normally.

A problem with the jaw joint

Inflammation of the jaw joints can also be a source of discomfort. It is not an emergency, so patients can take pain relievers and schedule an appointment for a later time. The pain is a temporomandibular disorder and might extend to the teeth. If the pain becomes persistent or debilitating, patients need to visit the dentist to inspect and diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan.

Gum diseases

A problem with the gums can also cause a serious toothache. However, even though gum disease causes teeth to hurt, the damage that it causes to the jawbone may be more severe.

In conclusion

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, do not hesitate to contact the emergency dentist for treatment.

Request an appointment here: http://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.

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