Taking the ache out of toothaches with emergency dentistry
Severe toothaches top the list of emergencies that send patients to the dentist’s office and, sometimes, to the nearest emergency center. There are many reasons you may have a toothache that necessitates emergency dentistry services at Piedra Dental Group. We not only see you promptly to get you comfortable – fast – but our Piedra Dental Group’s team also gets to the source of your tooth troubles to resolve the underlying cause of pain. By trusting your dental emergency to a dentist, you know that you will be cared for in a way that supports your long-term oral health and overall well-being.
Is my toothache a dental emergency?
A tooth should never hurt so badly that it keeps you up at night or interferes with your ability to work or complete day-to-day tasks. This type of pain can be a sure sign that you have damage that requires urgent care. Other signs that may accompany a toothache and that should lead to a prompt call to our office include:
- Swollen gums
- Throbbing that may extend to your neck or ear
- A bad taste in your mouth
- “Chipmunk cheeks” and swelling of other parts of the face and neck
- You feel feverish
The above list can be symptoms of a dental abscess. These are pockets of pus and swelling caused by bacterial infections. Without treatment, these infections do not simply “stay put.” They can travel to other parts of your face, neck, and body. While our expert dentists focus on the teeth, gums, and mouth, seeking treatment at your nearest ER is essential if you are experiencing symptoms like trouble swallowing or breathing. This can be a true medical emergency, not a dental emergency.
What should I do to relieve the pain at home?
First things first, get an appointment scheduled at our office. When you call, we can advise on steps to take for pain relief immediately until you can see us. These steps will be tailored to your situation. As needed, we may recommend that you visit the ER. We do not say this to be alarmist by any means. We simply say this to reinforce that deep decay and severe infections can cause very serious complications that extend beyond the health of the teeth and mouth. Many people find rinsing their mouth with warm (not hot) saltwater soothing. A cold compress can also help to ease the pain and reduce swelling that may be present. We can advise on OTC pain medications and prescribe pain relievers as appropriate, too.
How do you treat toothaches?
Once you get to our office, we will immediately administer medications for your comfort. That is our priority when you are in pain. We will also evaluate the painful tooth. Every effort is made to save even the most damaged teeth; however, this is not possible in some cases, even with treatments like root canal therapy (RCT). If we cannot save your tooth with a crown, RCT, or other means, do not worry! We have many options to replace your tooth, including modern tooth replacement with implants. Dr. Piedra is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Our specialist (periodontist), Dr. Robert Weishoff, is also an implant surgeon. We have the onsite expertise and capabilities to perform every aspect of the implant process here at Piedra Dental Group. We also offer alternative treatments like dental bridges.
What other emergencies do you treat?
We intimately understand that dental emergencies take on many different forms. They transcend the throbbing toothache. We encourage you to contact us immediately if you have a dislodged or even fully avulsed (knocked out) tooth due to an accident or sports injury. You should also contact us if your tooth is cracked or if you have injured the soft tissues and jaw. The sooner you call our team in Cooper City, FL at (954) 329-0673, the quicker you can return to feeling like yourself again!
