If you have a toothache, you need the help of a dentist as soon as possible. Everyone deserves to have a pain-free mouth. Tooth problems will only worsen until they're treated, and prompt dental assistance can prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Here are four things a dentist can do if you call their office complaining about a toothache
1. Schedule you for an emergency appointment.
Ordinarily, dentist appointments need to be scheduled in advance. Many dentists are busy people with many patients to serve, and often appointments have to be scheduled out months in advance. However, dentists understand that dental emergencies are unavoidable. When you call your dentist about your toothache, they will schedule you for an emergency appointment. You may be able to get an appointment on the same day. Dentists strive to help patients who are in pain as quickly as possible.
2. Offer pain-relieving medication.
Your dentist can offer you effective pain relief for your toothache. Ibuprofen and similar drugs are sufficient for dealing with minor pains. However, toothaches can be excruciating, especially when an infection causes them. If you're in debilitating pain, your dentist can write you a prescription for strong painkillers. These drugs will keep you comfortable until your dentist can address the root cause of your concern.
3. Treat active tooth infections.
Cavities are the most common source of tooth pain. However, severe cavities affect the inner layer of your tooth, called dentin. Below your enamel, there is dentin and tooth pulp. Nerves exist here. If the pulp of your tooth is affected by decay, it can become infected. These infections can cause severe pain that will only abate if the infection is cleared with antibiotics. If your dentist finds an infection, they will prescribe you a course of antibiotics. For the patient's safety and comfort, many dentists prefer to clear up active infections before drilling away tooth decay.
4. Remove tooth decay.
Tooth decay eats away at healthy enamel. Decay often manifests in the form of cavities, which must be cleaned and filled to alleviate pain. During your emergency dental appointment, your dentist can remove decayed enamel and dentin using a drill. They will fill the resultant space using the material of your choice. Amalgam fillings are inexpensive, but many patients prefer the discreet option of tooth-colored composite resin. You may notice some lingering soreness after the local anesthesia wears off. However, you should start to feel better after a day or two.
If you're experiencing severe tooth pains, look for dental services in your area for help.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!