Toothache can be painful, especially if you have an abscess. If you don’t go to the dentist right away when your tooth hurts, there’s a chance the infection will spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health issues. Should you seek treatment at the emergency room or try to schedule an appointment with your regular dentist? We’ve put together this handy guide that explains what to do and why so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.
What is an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when bacteria seeps into the pulp of your teeth, causing inflammation. When pus begins to form in your teeth, you'll notice swelling and pain that increases over time. The most common cause of an abscessed tooth is due to untreated decay or trauma. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it's best to contact a dentist immediately rather than trying to walk your way into an emergency room near me. Why?
What Causes An Abscessed Tooth
While most people with toothaches know whether or not they have an infected tooth, what most people don’t know is that bacteria are always present in your mouth. But if you practice good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily and flossing regularly—you can lower your risk of getting an infection by limiting bacteria growth. Some dental procedures, like root canals, can make it easier for bacteria to infect your teeth and cause infections like abscesses. One of our top recommended dental offices does professional dental crowns near me as well as walk in dentists near me so you can quickly get relief! If an infection has already developed, though, that might mean it’s time to visit an emergency room.
How To Handle An Abscess
If you experience sharp, pulsing pain in your mouth or face and one of your teeth feels like it’s about to fall out, you might have an abscess. An abscess is when bacteria enters your body through tissue near your teeth, causing pus-filled pockets of infection that can only be cured by antibiotics. If left untreated, an abscess will spread throughout your gums and jawbone; it could cause infections in other parts of your body or even lead to death. For immediate relief from an area that’s swollen, tender or infected with pus (an indicator of infection), go see a walk dentist near me as soon as possible—the longer you wait before treatment begins, the more serious the situation may become.
Emergency Room Treatment For A Toothache
When it comes to your teeth, many people believe that going to an emergency room is always necessary. While you can often receive more immediate care from your dentist or local urgent care center, sometimes there are better options. If you have an actual crown on your tooth (the part that's hard) and notice swelling around that crown, then it may be time to head over to an urgent care center or hospital. However, if you just need pain relief or antibiotics right away then local walk-in dentists near me can often do exactly what you need while saving you time and money!
When Do You Need To Go To The Dentist/Emergency Room For A Toothache
The first thing to do when you experience a toothache is figure out what’s causing it. If it’s just plaque buildup or minor decay, you can probably brush or floss your way out of it at home. However, if you have signs of an infection—like swelling and tenderness—you may need treatment from an oral health professional ASAP. The difference between an ordinary dental issue and one that requires emergency attention can be confusing, so here are a few pointers: Toothaches that cause extreme pain are always worth getting checked out by your dentist (or dentist) if they don’t go away after 24 hours; in fact, they might even require antibiotics.
