I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
In the absence of any other symptoms, a toothache alone would not usually be considered a dental emergency, although you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to find out what is causing it. However, there are some situations in which you should treat toothache as a dental emergency and visit an emergency dentist.
1. Severe Pain
Most cases of toothache are relatively mild. It is possible to control the pain using ordinary over-the-counter pain medications. You should still find it possible to eat and sleep. However, if the pain is so bad that it interferes with your everyday life and pain medications do not help, then you need to contact an emergency dentist right away. Severe pain can be a sign of a developing dental infection, particularly if it rapidly worsens.
2. Cracked, Knocked-Out, or Broken Tooth
If you have knocked out a tooth, you should hurry to an emergency dental clinic right away. If you arrive quickly enough, it is sometimes possible for a dentist to save the tooth by replanting it into the gum. You should also visit an emergency dentist if your tooth is not knocked out but has cracked or broken, as repairs are most effective if they are carried out immediately after the injury is sustained. Bring all broken fragments of the tooth along with you if you still have them.
3. Fever
When fever accompanies a toothache, it can be a sign that you have a dental infection. You need to see a dentist before the infection spreads. The dentist can prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection and then carry out treatment to tackle the underlying cause.
4. Discharge
Discharge is also a clear sign of infection. The discharge from an oral infection is usually clear and tastes bad. Contact an emergency dentist and explain the situation so that they can prescribe antibiotics to get the infection under control.
5. Difficulty Swallowing
Sometimes, the swelling or pain that accompanies a toothache can be so bad that it makes it difficult to swallow food or even liquids. Not being able to swallow is a serious health problem as it makes it impossible to get the nutrition and hydration you need. Swelling so severe that makes it difficult to swallow is also a sign of infection. If your toothache prevents you from swallowing, contact an emergency dentist and ask them to see you right away.
For more information, contact a local dental office, like Queen Street Dental Care.
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