When to Seek Emergency Dentistry Treatment for Toothache During COVID-19 Outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak has limited most dental offices to only offering emergency dentistry treatment. One of the most common types of dental emergencies is a toothache, although not all toothaches require emergency care. It is important to know what signs indicate the need to seek prompt treatment for a toothache to ensure that the issue does not worsen or linger for longer than necessary.
Signs that emergency dentistry is needed
Anyone who has a toothache should examine the cause, severity and other symptoms that they experience to determine whether it requires emergency dental treatment. The following is an overview of notable signs that emergency dentistry is needed.
Severe pain
The severity of the toothache is one of the most notable indicators of whether the toothache requires emergency dentistry treatment. A minor toothache can often be managed through at-home remedies, but a more severe toothache is generally a much larger concern. Anyone who has a toothache that becomes intolerable, meaning that the pain is too severe for the person to function properly, then the person should seek emergency dentistry treatment. Additionally, any concerns with severe and painful swelling of the gums may require emergency dentistry.
A metal taste
A metal taste can suggest that a few things are wrong with one's oral health. For those who have a metal filling, the taste could be a sign that the filling has fallen out, come loose or is damaged in some way. The taste may also be the result of an oral infection or gingivitis, especially if there is bleeding. In any case, a metal taste in the mouth that exists along with a toothache should result in a call to the dentist to see if emergency dentistry treatment is necessary.
Swollen jaw
The severity of a swollen jaw that results after a toothache worsens is often overlooked. A swollen jaw often requires immediate care because it could be the result of a serious oral infection that has started to spread. This is particularly concerning if the patient also has a poor taste in the mouth and difficulty swallowing. In severe instances, there may also be a fever if the swollen jaw and toothache is the result of a salivary gland infection.
Loose tooth
There are many things that can cause a toothache, including a blow to the mouth, a dental abscess and a missing filling. Many of these causes can lead to a loose tooth, which is concerning because the tooth may become lost without emergency dentistry treatment. Any time that a loose tooth results from a toothache, it is time to call the dentist.
Learn more about emergency dentistry
COVID-19 restrictions have made it more challenging for both patients and dentists, but patients can still receive emergency dental care. If you have a severe toothache that is severe or causes any of the other notable concerns mentioned above, then get in touch with our dental team today to find out about the next step to take.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…
Many looking to straighten their smile are drawn to Invisalign® clear aligners because they see them as a discrete alternative to braces. While they are a convenient and effective alternative, how well they work depends on the user. Getting the results you want from Invisalign requires following some important directions. Here is an overview of…
If you have ever felt self-conscious about your teeth and considered seeing a cosmetic dentist, you are not alone. Americans spend thousands of dollars trying to enhance their smiles each year. However, for a truly transformative look that is also safe for your teeth, it is recommended that you see a cosmetic dentist.A cosmetic dentist…
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to straightening teeth with traditional braces. It allows patients to improve the alignment of their teeth without ruining the appearance of their smile with a bunch of metal brackets and wires.These removable plastic aligner trays can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues like crooked, crowded, abnormally…