Discover expert answers to common emergency dental questions about tooth pain, infections, lost fillings, and knocked-out teeth. Learn how to handle dental emergencies before visiting the dentist.
Is dental pain always an emergency?
What should I do if I have a toothache that won't go away?
What can I do for a sharp pain when biting down on food?
Can I take over-the-counter medication for dental pain?
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
What should I do if my tooth is knocked loose but not completely out?
How do I manage pain from an impacted wisdom tooth?
Can a cavity become an emergency?
Should I be concerned about sensitivity to hot or cold foods?
Is dental pain always an emergency?
Not all dental pain constitutes an emergency, but it is important to pay attention to the severity and persistence of the pain. For instance, mild or short term discomfort may result from something like tooth sensitivity, which can often be managed with desensitizing toothpaste or over the counter pain relievers. However, sharp or prolonged pain can be a sign of more serious issues like an infection, deep cavity, or cracked tooth that may require immediate attention. If the pain is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty eating or sleeping, it may indicate a dental emergency. It is always advisable to contact our emergency dentist to discuss your symptoms. At our practice, we will assess your pain and determine whether emergency care is needed.
What should I do if I have a toothache that will not go away?
If you have a persistent toothache, it is crucial to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. A toothache that does not go away could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a cavity, infection, or gum disease. Start by gently cleaning the area around the affected tooth and flossing to remove any food particles that might be trapped. Over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate discomfort temporarily. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also reduce swelling. However, these are temporary measures, and the root cause of the toothache needs to be addressed by our dental office. We will evaluate the source of the pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What can I do for a sharp pain when biting down on food?
Sharp pain when biting down on food can be caused by several issues, including a cracked tooth, a cavity, or a loose filling. If you experience this type of pain, it is important to visit our dental clinic to diagnose the cause. Until you can get to our office, you should avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to softer foods that will not put pressure on the tooth. Over the counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort in the meantime. Sharp pain is often a sign that something is wrong with the tooth structure, so prompt dental attention will help prevent further damage.
Can I take over the counter medication for dental pain?
Yes, over the counter pain relievers can be used to help manage dental pain temporarily. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions and not exceed the recommended amount. While these medications can provide relief, they are not a substitute for seeing a dentist to address the underlying issue. Prolonged use of over the counter pain medications without dental intervention may lead to further complications, so it is always best to schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as possible to determine the cause of your pain and receive proper treatment.
What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
If your tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (the part of the tooth that is normally visible in the mouth) and avoid touching the root. Gently rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or use soap. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place until you can see us. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a container with milk or a tooth preservation solution like Save A Tooth, which is available at most drugstores. You should see a dentist within 30 minutes to increase the chances of saving the tooth. We will do our best to reinsert the tooth and ensure it heals properly.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked loose but not completely out?
If your tooth is knocked loose but remains in place, it is critical to see our dental team as soon as possible. Until you can get to the dental office, avoid touching or wiggling the tooth, and try not to use that side of your mouth for chewing. We will assess the damage, and depending on the severity, we may be able to stabilize the tooth by splinting it to the surrounding teeth. This allows the ligaments and bone to heal and reattach the tooth. In some cases, a loose tooth may heal on its own, but it is always better to have a dentist examine it to ensure there is no underlying damage.
How do I manage pain from an impacted wisdom tooth?
Managing pain from an impacted wisdom tooth involves both short term relief and long term treatment. To alleviate pain at home, you can use over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling. However, impacted wisdom teeth often require extraction to prevent ongoing pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. It is important to visit our dental office to evaluate the position of the wisdom tooth and determine whether extraction is necessary. Leaving an impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to complications such as infection or crowding of other teeth.
Can a tooth cavity become an emergency?
Yes, a cavity can become a dental emergency, if it is left untreated. A small cavity may not cause much discomfort at first, but as the decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth, causing significant pain, sensitivity, or even infection. Once the decay spreads to the pulp, the nerve inside the tooth can become infected, leading to an abscess. This type of infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and in some cases, it can even spread to other parts of the body. To avoid a dental emergency, it is important to address cavities early by visiting our dental office in Montebello, CA for regular checkups and cleanings.
Should I be concerned about sensitivity to hot or cold foods?
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods is quite common, but it can be a sign of a deeper problem, especially if the sensitivity persists or becomes more severe. Tooth sensitivity can occur due to worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, or gum recession. Sometimes, it may also result from dental work, such as fillings or crowns. If your sensitivity lingers or worsens, it could indicate tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or even the early stages of gum disease. In such cases, it is essential to visit one of our dental professional, as treating the underlying cause can prevent further damage to the tooth and relieve discomfort. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help, but professional evaluation is always recommended if the problem persists.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
The symptoms of an infected tooth can vary, but common signs include persistent, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear, swelling in the face or gums, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and a bad taste or foul odor in the mouth. You may also notice pus draining from the area or experience difficulty opening your mouth. In more severe cases, fever and swollen lymph nodes may accompany the infection. If you suspect you have an infected tooth, it is important to see us for emergency dental care as soon as possible. We will assess the infection and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, a root canal, or extraction, depending on the severity.
If you have more questions or need to schedule an appointment for emergency dental care, please call us or click below to easily schedule your appointment online.
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