Blog

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know firsthand that it’s not a fun experience. While they vary in intensity, they share one thing in common: you want them to be over as soon as possible! But what should you do if you get a toothache…can you wait it out or should you call a dentist in Oak Hill as soon as possible? And is there anything you can do in the meantime for immediate relief? Find out the answer to those questions and what kind of dental treatment you might need in this blog!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE A TOOTHACHE?

The answer to this question really depends on how severe your toothache is. If it’s an occasional ache that isn’t interfering with your daily activities, you can try using a sensitivity toothpaste until you can be seen by a dentist.

In some cases, the source of the pain is something relatively minor like gum recession, which a sensitivity toothpaste can help with. It could also be a small cavity that’s causing cold, hot or pressure sensitivity. A dental exam will be able to pinpoint the cause of the problem.

On the other hand, it’s a good idea to seek out immediate attention if any of the following applies:

• You’re in severe pain when you eat or put pressure on the tooth.
• You notice a pimple-like bump on the gums.
• You have a throbbing sensation.
• There’s a lingering pain after eating something hot or cold.
• The pain is keeping you from sleeping at night.

If you have any of these symptoms you might have an infection or abscess, which can be dangerous if it spreads to other areas of the body. That’s why the best course of action is to call an emergency dentist in Oak Hill who can treat the infection right away and also relieve your pain.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES?

If your pain is mild or moderate you may simply need a filling or crown. But if you notice any of the signs above, you could potentially need a root canal.

Root canals have a bad reputation, but they’re a good thing for several reasons! First, root canals remove the source of your toothache (an infected nerve canal), but rest assured that you’ll be completely numb beforehand.

In addition, they save teeth with a badly damaged nerve that would otherwise have to be extracted.

Toothaches are really uncomfortable, but remember – there are effective, reliable procedures that can save your tooth so you’ll have great oral health for many years to come!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan is a general and emergency dentist in Oak Hill who sets aside time each day for emergency situations like toothaches. He’s always glad when he can help patients get out of pain as quickly as possible. Certified to provide Level 1 conscious sedation and highly-skilled at providing root canal therapy, he offers both immediate and long-term relief from toothaches. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (512) 361-4288.