WHEN TO CALL YOUR DENTIST AFTER HOURS ABOUT TOOTH PAIN
If you experience a toothache near Belmont, especially after your dental office has closed, you may not know when the appropriate time to call your emergency dentist is. There are a few signs, such as swelling and throbbing pain, that are good indicators your dentist should be called. Significant toothaches should never be ignored, because they may be a sign of a larger problem, such as an infected root canal or other dental infection. Here’s a look at some signals that you should call for care after your dentist’s office has closed for the day.
You Heard a Crack
If you were eating something hard, such as a popcorn kernel or nuts, and you heard something crack, then consider calling your dentist. When you experience tooth pain, especially coupled with a cracked tooth, you may have severely damaged your tooth, exposing the tooth’s nerve. This type of damage can only be corrected by a dentist, and it must be addressed soon. The longer a tooth remains cracked, the more possibility that you may develop a dental infection, which may lead to root canal therapy.
Your Mouth Is Swelling
No matter the cause of your tooth pain, you will want to see your dentist if your mouth begins to swell. First, try to control the swelling with a cold compress pressed to the outside of your mouth. Take the recommended dosage of appropriate over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If the swelling does not reduce or becomes worse, then call your dental office right away. There may be an underlying problem that is impeding your tooth and the gum tissue from healing.
You Have Throbbing Pain
Sometimes, tooth pain may be caused by a sensitivity to something hot or cold or to something sweet. This type of discomfort should subside within a few moments, and it will often be intermittent. If you experience throbbing pain on the affected side of your mouth, and it cannot be managed or dissipated with over-the-counter pain relievers, then it is best to call your dentist and dental office right away.
