Should I go to the ER for Severe Tooth Pain?

Louisville, KY

It can be a helpless feeling when you’re in distress with a tooth in severe pain and you’re unsure where to go for help and relief. A lot of people would immediately think of their local hospital’s emergency room. And in some cases, that might be the best call. Other emergencies, however, can feasibly wait a day until dentist offices open or can be better treated by an emergency dentist. Let’s look today with our Louisville emergency dentist at the best course of action if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain.

What causes tooth pain?

Anyone who has experienced a toothache is very aware of the nerves in the gums and teeth. Tooth pain can range from discomfort to excruciating, depending on what the issue is, such as tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, gum disease, a tooth fracture or impacted wisdom teeth.

When should I call my dentist?

Our family dentist in Jeffersonville is usually the best choice to contact in the case of severe tooth pain. Our dental team is specially trained to handle dental emergencies and provide appropriate treatment.

If you find yourself having a dental emergency, we recommend you stay as calm as possible and follow these steps:

• Call us immediately and explain what happened and what the symptoms are. If it’s after hours, listen for a recording that will tell you what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage your pain until you get to our office.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• In the event you’ve knocked a tooth out and can find it, rinse it and try to reinsert it in the socket, biting down on gauze to hold it in place. If the tooth won’t reinsert, keep it in saliva, saline solution or milk until you can get to the dentist.

When should I visit the ER?

In only a few instances should you go to the ER for a dental emergency, including:

• Uncontrolled bleeding from a dental injury.
• Significant swelling in your face, neck or jaw, especially if it affects your breathing or swallowing.
• If you have a high fever and chills that accompany a dental injury, this could indicate a severe infection that needs immediate care.
• If you’ve had an accident resulting in a broken jaw or severe facial injuries.

Emergency dentist in Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Shepherdsville, KY

Severe dental pain can be alarming and distressing. Be sure you have a plan in place in the event you ever face a dental emergency. Seeking appropriate dental care can save you time, discomfort and potential complications. If you’re experiencing dental pain or if you have any other dental-related questions, call Exceptional Dentistry at 888-918-3336, or reach out to us online today.