Toothaches are never fun to deal with. The pain can sometimes be persistent, and it can really dampen everyday life. You might want to save yourself the “hassle” of seeing your dentist about it and wait it out, but this isn’t your best option. If you ignore that toothache for too long, you could be putting your health at great risk! Read on to discover why you should search for “emergency dentists near me” right away if you experience certain types of toothaches.
What Causes a Toothache?
Toothaches can occur in various ways. You may have gotten one from a sinus infection that left you with dull pain and some sensitivity. In more severe cases, it can come from a tooth infection. Unlike sinus infections, which may go away on their own, dental infections cannot.
Tooth infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your teeth. If left untreated, this can become a dental abscess, which can then spread to the rest of your body.
When Does a Toothache Affect My Overall Health?
An untreated tooth infection can have many consequences for your health. It can lead to losing that tooth and spreading to other teeth. But it can even open the door to life-threatening issues. The spreading infection can cause diseases like sepsis, meningitis, and Ludwig’s Angina.
They can be prevented if you catch a dangerous toothache early. Watch out for these signs and symptoms of a tooth infection that’s becoming a serious problem:
- Feeling unwell: headache, dizziness, fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Facial swelling
- Dehydration
- Increased heart and breathing rate
- Stomach pain
How is a Toothache Treated?
Thankfully, your dentist can help before it becomes a life-threatening situation. If you tell them about your toothache as soon as it starts to exhibit worrying symptoms, they will have the tools necessary to find and fix the problem before it causes serious complications. Your dentist has access to state-of-the-art machinery that can help them visualize the affected tooth and perform treatments to eliminate the ache while preserving your smile.
It may be as simple as receiving antibiotics, but a root canal can also be your saving grace. In this treatment, the infected pulp is removed. After, your dentist will clean the inside of your tooth, fill it, and place a crown.
A toothache can be frustrating, but it’s not just your smile that’s at risk. To spare yourself future trouble and discomfort, get in touch with your dentist as soon as you feel any dental pain.
About the Practice
Dr. Hanna Burton completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She is proud to offer a range of services, from routine checkups to emergency dental visits, and strives to improve the smiles of all her patients. If you have a nagging toothache, schedule an appointment or call us at (614)215-9180.