See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment. Non-urgent advice: See a dentist if you have toothache:
Do not go to your GP as they will not be able to give you dental treatment. Immediate action required: Go to A&E if you have toothache and:
Information: To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours:
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:
You may have to pay for your appointment. Read more about NHS dental charges. How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointmentDo
Don’t
Causes of toothacheToothache can be caused by:
How to prevent toothacheThe best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. To do this:
Page last reviewed: 04 May 2021 Tooth pain of any kind can be unbearable. It can make eating, drinking, and sleeping miserable, disrupting your daily routine. You may think the best course of action is to wait it out and make an appointment with your dentist. However, sometimes toothaches indicate a severe health issue and require immediate medical attention. When You Need to Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Injury Sometimes a toothache is a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Other times, it may be the first sign of an infection that can affect other parts of your body and quickly. It’s better to be safe than sorry and head to the nearest emergency room in these situations. If a fever of 101 or greater accompanies your tooth pain, you could have an abscessed tooth. This infection can lead to severe consequences and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes tooth pain can signify a heart attack or other cardiac condition, especially if the pain radiates from your teeth to your neck and jaw. Should you experience uncontrollable bleeding and swelling due to trauma to your face, don’t delay emergency care. Or, if you have a toothache accompanied by trouble swallowing or breathing, you need to be evaluated as soon as possible. Home Remedies for Toothaches If you are in excruciating pain, you can take some specific measures to minimize it until you are seen by a medical professional. Taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease a toothache. You might also find holding a warm compress against your face soothing. If your mouth is bleeding, apply some pressure using gauze or a warm cloth. Swishing with warm salt water or using an analgesic gel may also help. While these steps won’t make the pain disappear, they might make it more bearable until you get to the emergency room. Preventing Injury to Your Teeth While you cannot avoid all dental injuries, there are specific steps you can take to prevent tooth pain, including:
Don’t take any chances when it comes to a dental injury or pain. It could be the first sign that there is a more serious health issue is brewing. After any trip to the emergency room for a toothache or other dental injury, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dentist afterward to receive a thorough exam. Community First ER is here for you If you need emergency care for a dental issue, Community First Emergency Room will be here for you. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. Our team has access to sophisticated imaging equipment, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, with fast same-day results so we can quickly evaluate the extent of your dental emergency. You will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, and concierge-level services. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses will treat you or your loved one like family, making your health and peace of mind a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. About Community First ER Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust; we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media. Can ER do anything about tooth pain?The ER staff can get patients stabilized, control bleeding, and give treatment for dental fractures. In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary. They can also treat broken, dislodged, or fractured teeth and help to control severe pain.
Is severe tooth pain an emergency?If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, you're having a dental emergency. This usually indicates an advanced cavity or an infected tooth. Without proper care, your condition will only get worse.
When should you go to the ER for a tooth infection?You SHOULD go to the emergency room if: You have swelling from a toothache that has spread to other parts of your face, especially your eye or below your jaw line. You have a toothache accompanied by a high fever (>101). You have bleeding that can't be controlled with pressure (more on this below).
Is tooth nerve pain an emergency?The first line of action when experiencing pain from an exposed tooth nerve is to visit the emergency dentist, since the pain will likely not disappear on its own.
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