What Should I Do If I Have a Severe Toothache?
A severe toothache is often a sign that something isn't right. Prompt dental care can help relieve pain and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.
A severe toothache can make it difficult to eat, sleep, work, or concentrate. While some toothaches may seem to improve temporarily, persistent or severe dental pain is often a sign of an underlying problem that should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
At Grand Blanc Dental Center, Milan Sata, DDS provides prompt evaluations for patients experiencing tooth pain and works to identify the source of the problem so the appropriate treatment can begin.
What Causes a Severe Toothache?
Tooth pain can have many different causes. Some of the most common include:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- An infected tooth or dental abscess
- Gum disease
- A damaged filling or crown
- Teeth grinding or clenching
Only a dental examination can determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
What Should I Do Before My Appointment?
If you're experiencing a severe toothache, contact Grand Blanc Dental Center as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Until you're seen, you may be able to reduce discomfort by:
- Gently brushing and flossing around the affected tooth.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
- Avoiding extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages if they increase your discomfort.
- Following the directions on over-the-counter pain relievers if they are appropriate for you.
Do not place aspirin directly against your gums or tooth, as it can irritate the surrounding tissues.
When Should I Seek Immediate Care?
Contact our office immediately if your toothache is accompanied by:
- Swelling of your face or jaw
- Fever
- Pus or drainage around a tooth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain following a dental injury
These symptoms may indicate an infection or another condition that requires prompt treatment.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore Tooth Pain
Dental problems rarely resolve on their own. Waiting too long to seek treatment may allow the condition to worsen, potentially resulting in more extensive treatment than would have been needed if the problem had been addressed earlier.
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Don't Wait to Get Relief
If you're experiencing a severe toothache, call Grand Blanc Dental Center as soon as possible at (810) 694-0200. Prompt treatment can help relieve your pain and prevent the problem from becoming more serious. You can also request an appointment online.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're experiencing severe dental pain or believe you have a dental emergency, call Grand Blanc Dental Center at (810) 694-0200. If you have difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or another life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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