A toothache can be just a bit of pain or it can be severe enough to require an emergency dentist. Recognizing the different symptoms can save you a lot of time. When you are in doubt, it is better to choose to visit the dentist and get help. That way, you can get lasting relief instead of a temporary fix. There are many types of toothache that an emergency dentist can treat.
Either of these conditions is a good reason to visit an emergency dentist. This is required even more if the pain has gotten worse since the time the patient first noticed it. The patient might also feel dull or constant pain in the teeth. This can indicate a more severe dental issue.
Feeling pressure is another potential issue. When the patient bites down, the tooth may give sharp pain. This can be a sign of infection. It could even be a filling that was not properly shaved down earlier.
The patient’s mouth might have a bad taste or a foul odor in it besides morning breath. The tooth can be decayed and then send off unpleasant toxins. Bad breath can also be a sign of an infected tooth. The patient should visit the emergency dentist if there is swelling around the neck or jaw too. The area around the neck or jaw might begin to feel tender. The infection could go to the patient’s brain, so it must be stopped before it spreads.
A common cause of tooth pain is an infection in the gums. This can have many stages and give patients different symptoms. For example, the gums might bleed when flossing or brushing. This can be an early stage and is not an emergency.
On the other hand, more advanced gum disease can cause the teeth to be loose. The gums might hurt and it can seem like the pain is coming from the teeth. Treatment is important in order to prevent bacteria from spreading. There are more bacteria in the mouth at this stage.
An abscessed or infected tooth happens when another issue is left untreated. The tooth begins to rot from the bacteria. There might be a bad taste or extreme pain in the tooth. Sometimes, there is even pus oozing out of it. If the decay cannot be treated, the tooth might need to be removed. There is a concern that the infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the brain.
If you think that your toothache is more than a slight pain, it might be time for a visit to an emergency dentist. The dentist can see what is causing this severe pain and help you find lasting relief. It can make you nervous but seeing an emergency dentist can help prevent a bigger issue. This is even more true when it comes to preventing an abscessed tooth. Making an appointment is a good option for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
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