Edmonton Emergency Dentists
Severe Toothache
A toothache may begin as something mild and hardly noticeable, but over time, it can develop into a bigger issue. Severe pain can prevent you from doing your job, eating food, and sleeping properly.
When Is A Toothache An Emergency?
Everyone gets toothaches now and then. You should never ignore a severe toothache, but you might wonder whether you need emergency care, or if you can wait to see your regular dentist.
A toothache can range from a dull ache to severe pain. If the toothache suddenly goes away, it could be a sign that the nerves of the tooth have died. This is definitely an indication that you require dental care as soon as possible; with dental emergencies you should not wait.
Pain should not prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities or enjoying your life. With emergency care, dentists can treat the issue promptly and alleviate your pain.
Ways To Relieve Pain
While you wait to see a dentist for emergency services, here are a few ways you can immediately reduce your pain and discomfort:
Rinse your mouth with water and salt
First, grab a clean cup, and fill it with slightly warm water. Mix in a few teaspoons of salt and stir. Then, swish it around your mouth, particularly around the sore area. This helps to clean the tooth and reduce symptoms of a toothache.
Medication
Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers will reduce the swelling and pain of the affected tooth. You can take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the package. However, they will only dull your symptoms, and will not address the root cause of the issue.
Apply clove oil
Clove oil is a natural way to numb the nerves of your mouth. It can temporarily manage your severe toothache until you can see a dentist. Apply it directly to the affected area as needed.
Use a cold compress
Bring down facial swelling by applying an ice pack to your cheek. It can dull the painful sensations and provide relief to the tissue.
Toothache Causes
Wondering why your tooth is causing you trouble? The answer isn’t always clear. It may be due to one of the following reasons:
Broken tooth
Cracks, chips, or fractures can expose the nerves of your teeth and cause persistent pain. A filling can repair damage and protect the vulnerable tissues in your teeth.
Cavity or pulp infection
When an infection reaches the pulp of your teeth (the part beneath the enamel and dentin), an abscess may form. To alleviate your toothache, the dentist will need to perform a root canal.
Teeth grinding
Repeated strain on the teeth may lead to a toothache. Those who grind or clench their teeth put their mouths under excessive pressure and force. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, it could be due to bruxism. This may also lead to a cracked or broken tooth.
A dentist can examine your teeth to determine if you have been grinding or clenching them.
Gum disease
Have you noticed that the gums around your tooth are red, swollen, or tender to the touch? It may be a sign of periodontal disease ( gum disease ), a condition that affects the soft tissues in your mouth.
When you meet with an experienced dental team and dentist, they can identify and diagnose the cause of your tooth pain. This is the first step in treating and alleviating your toothache.
Book Your Dental Appointment Today
In many cases, a severe toothache is indicative of a deeper dental issue. Ignoring the pain may lead to an oral infection and the eventual loss of the tooth.
By booking an appointment with an emergency dentist in Edmonton, you can prevent the problem from getting worse. The toothache can be treated with a filling, root canal, or extraction.