It’s easy to think of a toothache as a minor and temporary annoyance. And, yes, sometimes the problem is simply that your congested sinuses are putting more pressure on your pearly whites than normal. A more sudden and persistent toothache, however, can be far more serious. In severe cases, putting off treatment could even be fatal. Keep reading to stay well-informed about this dental emergency.
What Makes a Toothache So Dangerous?
It’s one thing if you feel general dental aches while dealing with a sinus infection or allergies. But if you can point out the exact tooth that’s in pain, it’s more likely you have a cavity, gum disease, or enamel damage. While none of these issues are fun, when treated in a timely manner, they’re rarely life-threatening.
What can make them deadly is if they’re not treated. Teeth cannot repair themselves or fight off infections on their own, so eventually, the bacteria responsible for your toothache will spread. There have been cases where dental infections entered the patient’s bloodstream and triggered sepsis, a condition that can be deadly.
Symptoms of A Serious Toothache
Not every toothache is a ticking time-bomb, and while its best to address any dental pain promptly, it is good to know the difference between an early cavity and a deep-rooted infection. Symptoms of a more serious situation include:
- Facial swelling
- Fever or chills
- Feeling sick or like you might have the flu
- Difficulties breathing or swallowing
- A bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
- A pimple-like bump near the aching tooth
Contacting Your Emergency Dentist
If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t wait. Call your emergency dentist and describe your symptoms in detail so they can get you scheduled for the next available appointment. If you also develop a fever or have trouble breathing, go to the nearest ER instead! Even if it turns out your situation wasn’t as bad as you thought, it’s good to have your dental needs and discomforts addressed sooner rather than later.
About the Author
Dr. Karen Littlefield Neil is an experienced dentist, and knows how important it is to treat dental emergencies quickly. She accepts same-day appointments for those experiencing dental disasters like toothaches, and will readily provide nitrous oxide for patients who avoid getting the care they need because of fear or anxiety. The best way to contact Dr. Neil and her compassionate team for an emergency dental appointment is to call her office directly at 817-738-3368.