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Posted on 1/20/2020 by Aron Geelan, DMD |
When you have a toothache you should come see us right away. Generally, however, a toothache is not considered to be a medical emergency. This means that if it is after hours, or during the weekend, you can just take a few painkillers and take it easy until you can come see us. However, there are certain times when you should not wait to get attention for a toothache. In certain situations, waiting could end up being dangerous to your tooth and even your health. Here are some situations in which you should immediately seek medical attention for a toothache. Your Tooth is BleedingIf the tooth begins to bleed, it could be a sign of serious injury. Rather than hoping that it can hold up until our office opens, you should go to the closest emergency room. They can evaluate you and determine whether it is a medical emergency or not. You Develop a Fever with the ToothacheIf you have a toothache and you have started to develop a fever, it could be a sign of an infection. If you have developed a dental abscess, you should seek out immediate medical attention. This condition involves the formation of a pus pocket in the tooth, and the toxins involved can seep into your bloodstream. Left untreated, a dental abscess can be seriously dangerous or even life-threatening. Other symptoms of a dental abscess include tender lymph nodes, tooth sensitivity to heat and/or cold, a swelling in the face (the area may be warm to the touch), and a raised “bump” on the gum tissue in the area of the tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate attention. If your tooth is hurting, we are here to help you. But in some cases, you should not wait, instead, seek medical attention right away. |