More than 40% of adults experience dental pain every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although toothaches are common, they aren’t normal. Often, they are a sign of an untreated problem, like an infection deep within your tooth. It will not go away with no treatment. Instead, you could lose your tooth and may face potentially life-threatening complications. Here’s why you don’t want to delay seeing an emergency dentist.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
Symptoms of an infected tooth can appear suddenly or gradually worsen over time. Many signs may indicate an infection, like:
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Pain in jaw, ear, or neck
- Pain that worsens when you lie down
- Sensitivity to pressure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Facial swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Root canal therapy can be used to stop your pain and save your tooth. However, if you wait to see a dentist, your tooth may die. It will need to be extracted and replaced with a prosthetic.
Symptoms of a Spreading Infection
The loss of your tooth isn’t the only concern of putting off treatment. The infection can spread to adjacent teeth and surrounding structures. It may even enter your bloodstream through the pressure of chewing, which can lead to various serious and life-threatening issues. Common signs that the infection has spread from your tooth include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Skin flushing
- Sweating or chills
- Swelling that impedes swallowing
- Swelling that impedes breathing
- Dehydration
- Increased heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or convulsions
- Mental confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.
Treating an Infected Tooth
Your dentist can treat the infection with root canal therapy. They’ll use numbing medication to block any pain as they remove any areas of decay and extract your tooth pulp. They will clean out the root chambers and sterilize your tooth before sealing it with a special material called gutta-percha. Often, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to give it an added layer of protection.
A root canal can restore your dental health and safeguard your overall wellness. Do not wait for serious issues to occur. Contact your dentist right away if you have a toothache.
About Dr. Roshan Shroff
Dr. Shroff earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and he regularly continues his education in various specialties, including root canal therapy and emergency dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (303) 268-1540.