We’ve all undergone the pain and discomfort of a toothache, but what happens when that pain becomes unbearable outside of regular office hours? It’s time to call in the experts – emergency dentists. These dental superheroes are ready to tackle any urgent dental problem, from broken teeth to severe infections. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about emergency dentists and how they can help you return to smiling again. So sit tight, grab your ice pack, and dive into the world of emergency dentistry!
See an emergency dentist if you have a toothache that’s not going away or if it’s become so severe that it’s causing pain or difficulty eating. An emergency dentist can help you get relief from your toothache in a hurry.
Specific things to keep in mind when seeking relief from a toothache with an emergency dentist:
- Make sure the pain is severe enough to require medical attention.
- Make sure the tooth is causing significant discomfort.
- Be prepared to provide necessary documentation such as X-rays and a doctor’s note confirming the severity of the toothache.
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist
If you have a severe toothache that doesn’t appear to go away no matter what you do, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Here are four signs that your toothache is severe and warrants an emergency visit:
1. You can’t take the pain anymore – if your toothache is really bad, you’ll probably start to feel unbearable pain even when you rest your jaw on your hand. It means that the tooth is almost undoubtedly infected and requires immediate attention from a dentist.
2. You develop an infection – if you create an infection in your mouth due to the toothache, the tooth is damaged beyond repair and must be removed or repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary before surgery can proceed.
3. You lose teeth – if you experience significant jaw pain and lose teeth over time, you likely have a severe dental problem that requires professional help immediately. If all of your teeth start to loosen up or fall out, this is a sign that you ought to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible!
4. The root of the tooth appears swollen – if the root of your tooth appears enlarged or swollen, this could be a sign of a more severe problem, such as an abscessed tooth or even cancerous cells growing inside the root of the tooth! If this occurs, it’s essential to get medical attention right away so that whatever is causing the problem
How to Find an Emergency Dentist
If you’re experiencing a severe toothache that isn’t going away, consider seeking an emergency dentist. While not all dental emergencies are severe enough to necessitate an immediate trip to the ER, if you experience pain that won’t go away or if there is blood in your mouth, it’s best to seek help as soon as possible.
Below are some tips on how to find an emergency dentist:
1. Ask around – If you live in a larger city, several dentists will likely provide 24-hour services. Finding an emergency dentist might be more complex in smaller towns and rural areas, but keep trying. You can also check online listings or contact your local hospital or health center for referrals.
2. Call your insurance company – Many insurance companies offer incentives for customers who use their Emergency Room (ER) instead of their regular dentist. Knowing this can help you save money on your dental bill should the need arise.
3. Check with your employer – Many companies have medical insurance plans covering urgent dental care in an emergency if yours doesn’t, ask if they know of any dental practices that offer discounted rates for those experiencing an acute toothache.
4. Make an appointment – Even if you don’t have any luck finding an emergency dentist right away, don’t give up
What to Bring to an Emergency Dentist?
If you are undergoing a toothache that is not going away, it is vital to seek emergency dental care. Many times, simple dental cleaning and adjustment can resolve the issue. However, if the pain is more severe or other signs suggest a more serious problem, you may need to see a dentist immediately. Here are some things you should bring with you when visiting an emergency dentist:
- A written list of the symptoms you are experiencing, including any that suggest a more severe problem
- Your insurance information
- Your contact information for your health insurance company and your employer
- Any medication you take regularly, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins
- Any medical records or x-rays related to your teeth or mouth
Treatment for an Urgent Toothache
There are a few different ways to treat an urgent toothache. First, you may need to go to the hospital for severe pain. In some cases, you can take over-the-counter painkillers or ibuprofen. However, if the pain is not that severe and does not continue for more than two days, you might be able to try one of the following methods:
1. Put a cold pack on the tooth: Place a cold pack on your sore tooth for 10 minutes every two hours. It will help reduce the amount of pain you feel.
2. Drink water and ice: Icy water will help relieve the pain from an urgent toothache. Dilute it with half water and half apple juice or cranberry juice if you want something alcoholic to drink as well.
3. Take ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter painkiller. You can take it by mouth or apply it to your gums or teeth.
4. Take aspirin: Aspirin can be taken orally or applied directly to your gums or teeth.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing an urgent toothache, don’t hesitate to seek help from an emergency dentist. Dentists in emergency rooms are specially trained and equipped to handle a broad range of dental emergencies, including tooth extraction and root canal procedures. If you can’t visit your regular dentist immediately, go to the closest emergency room and speak with one of their dentists. They will be able to evaluate your need for immediate care and direct you to the right resources.