Visiting an Emergency Dentist: 7 Toothache Symptoms to Monitor
Do you have a nagging toothache that doesn’t seem to go away? A toothache could be telling you it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Depending on the severity and symptoms, toothache relief may require more than just an at-home remedy. Toothache pain isn’t something to take lightly, especially when it comes to your smile. If you need to visit an emergency dentist, you’re probably thinking, who’s a dentist near me that can provide me with toothache relief? With plenty of locations to choose from, your closest Monarch Dental office has emergency dental hours to make sure your toothache is a thing of the past. But first, let’s make sure your symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency dentist.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist
A visit to the dentist doesn’t always happen at the most opportune moments. There are several reasons why you might find yourself in need of emergency dental care. Whether you’ve knocked out a tooth or have a toothache that keeps getting worse, emergency dentists are there to see you whenever for whatever your needs are. If you know you need to see a dentist immediately, you can grab your phone or go online and type in ‘dentist near me’ or ’emergency dentist near me’. This will allow you to find the closest dental offices near you. If you’re looking for a dental office that can provide you with affordable care, you can look to Monarch Dental. With several offices in your area, their professional dental staff will know exactly how to handle your dental emergency. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they have hours to work with your schedule, and a dental staff to put you at ease. Late nights or weekends, we’ve got you covered.
What does a Toothache Mean?
Understanding what your toothache is trying to tell you can be puzzling to say the least. Our body is all interconnected, and feeling pain in your teeth can mean several different things. It can be normal to get a toothache here and there, as long as the pain isn’t severe and it subsides within a day or two. However, should it persist or be severe in pain, you should seek attention immediately. A toothache can indicate a cavity, an abscessed tooth, or gum disease. Whatever the cause behind it, it can leave your tooth at risk for a complete loss or spread infection to the rest of your mouth and body.
Toothache Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, you should evaluate if it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Waiting too long to see your dentist can sometimes lead to bigger issues down the road. Plus, there’s nothing better than getting toothache relief sooner rather than later.
1. Sharp pain
Pain is generally the first indication that something isn’t quite right with your tooth. If you’ve been experiencing sharp pain, or pain that has increased in severity, it could be that your toothache has developed into a dental issue. One thing sharp pain can indicate is a cavity. Especially if you bite down and feel pain amongst one or more teeth, a cavity may have developed. Cavities are fairly common, and develop when plaque and bacteria are left on teeth. Over time, the bacteria produces acid that can cause holes (cavities) on your tooth. Another sign of pain could be an abscessed tooth – a painful infection. You’ll want to seek treatment immediately for an abscessed tooth as it may need to be extracted.
2. Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity in a tooth or teeth is within similar lines of sharp pain. If your teeth are particularly achy, it could be a sign that you are clenching or grinding your teeth at night. This condition is known as bruxism, and your dentist might recommend various treatment options depending on the cause behind it. Other cases of sensitivity can indicate a cavity or an abscessed tooth, both of which qualify as a dental emergency. Sensitivity to temperature and sugar are primary indicators of a cavity.
3. Discoloration
It’s common that our teeth might become discolored or yellow over time due to consuming things like coffee, wine, and tea. This can be taken care of with various teeth cleaning treatments. However, if you notice a particular tooth or teeth start to change in color from yellow to dark brown or grey, there could be something else at play. If a tooth has transformed to a darker color, it could indicate that the pulp inside of your tooth is dead. This is a major sign of an infection, and your tooth will react as such especially if you notice any pus emitted from the tooth. Your body is going to expel any toxins from the infected tooth. It’s very crucial that you see an emergency dentist if you’ve reached this stage as they’ll need to treat the tooth immediately.
4. Swollen glands
Along with an infected tooth, you should feel around your neck and jawline to notice any swelling. If the infection has spread, it may show symptoms in your glands located in these areas. If you have an abscessed tooth combined with swollen glands you should seek medical attention as you could be at risk for infecting vital organs in your body.
5. Loose teeth
If your toothache has made you feel as though you have loose teeth, it can be a sign of gum disease. If your teeth are able to wiggle around or have loosened from the gum, you should see an emergency dentist as you may be experiencing advanced stages of periodontal disease. There are various treatment options for periodontal disease, but all of it will depend on how far along it’s developed. If you have loose teeth, the symptoms may be irreversible, but you should seek treatment as the disease can progress.
Loose teeth are an indication that your bone tissue has weekend. This can happen in advanced periodontitis, where the connective bone and gum tissue that hold your teeth into position have deteriorated. You’ll want to treat the disease before it results in total loss of your teeth.
6. Bleeding, swollen gums
Bleeding and swelling of the gums can happen from time to time. However, if it’s something that persists, and is coupled with a toothache, it’s a good idea to head over to your dentist. Bleeding or swollen gums can be an indication of gum disease. If you haven’t done a particularly good job of maintaining your oral health with proper brushing and flossing, gum disease can develop quite easily. The swelling and bleeding is a reaction to irritation by bacteria in your gums. You’ll want to catch it early on, as you can only restore your healthy smile in the earliest stages of gum disease. Once it has advanced, your dentist will need to prescribe a different treatment option.
7. Bad breath or bad taste
If you have been experiencing a bad taste in your mouth or a bad odor, it could also be a sign of an abscessed tooth. When a tooth is infected, toxins are emitted from the tooth itself, resulting in that foul taste or bad smell. Keep in mind this will go beyond your average case of morning breath. If you’ve got these symptoms, along with other signs of an abscessed tooth you should see an emergency dentist right away.
Finding a Dentist at the Last Minute
Sometimes when you need to see a dentist, it needs to be the very next minute. We get that at Monarch Dental. Realizing your symptoms aren’t just a case of a one-off situation is just as important to keep your smile bright and healthy. Accidents happen too, which is why you need to find an emergency dentist with flexible hours to see you at the last minute. You can utilize a dentist near me search to find a few Monarch Dental locations in your area. With emergency dentist hours, you’ll be seen in no time, making toothache relief a breeze.
Your Emergency Dental Appointment
At your emergency dental appointment your dentist will want to examine any previous dental X-rays and medical history. If you happen to have any copies at home, bring them in with you to get your emergency dentist up to speed. Don’t forget your dental insurance card and identification. Monarch Dental accepts most dental insurance plans, and your emergency visit may already be covered. If you don’t happen to have dental insurance, don’t worry. Monarch Dental has affordable, quality dental care and the option for flexible payment plans to make sure your needs are met immediately.
When you see your dentist, go over the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, including how the pain developed and the region it’s within. If you’re able to identify a particular tooth that’s even better. Your dentist will then assess the situation and determine what’s causing your toothache. From there, they will go over various treatment options to provide you with the best toothache relief.
How to Prevent a Toothache
The best way to handle a dental emergency is to prevent a toothache to begin with. We understand that isn’t always possible, but maintaining great oral care at home is one of the best things you can do for your smile. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as visiting your dentist for an oral exam and routine professional teeth cleaning. At your teeth cleaning, your dentist will be able to remove plaque from those hard to reach areas, keeping your smile free of cavity causing bacteria. They’ll also be able to assess if you’re at risk for developing gum disease, and advise what steps you can take towards preventative measures.
If you know you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should make an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. Leaving your teeth to chance or at home remedies can sometimes make the situation worse. You’ll want the opinion of a professional dentist, especially if you’re experiencing a more serious tooth infection. You can make an emergency dental appointment with your nearest Monarch Dental location by visiting us online or calling us at 1-844-800-7645. Take care of yourself by coming in, and leave the rest of the work to us. We’ll have you up and running in no time.
