Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

When toothaches in Windermere, FL can range from irritating to debilitating, it’s normal to wonder when to call the dentist. Instead of just waiting for it to ‘go away on its own’, here are a few things to keep in mind.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

Toothaches are typically an emergency if the pain is severe and/or if you have accompanying symptoms, like a fever, bleeding, or swelling.

Experts highly recommend treating a toothache as quickly as possible or else risk the tooth, gum, or jaw. In the most extreme circumstances, a bad toothache can risk your life. Bacterial infections, like abscesses, can leak into your bloodstream and threaten your bodily systems.

Can I Treat a Toothache at Home?

Minor toothaches can sometimes be a quick fix. For example, flossing to remove lodged food or regular saltwater rinses to control mild swelling swelling. However, while some toothaches can and do resolve on their own, they’re usually a sign of a bigger problem, like a cavity, nerve damage, or gum disease. Even if yours isn’t technically an emergency, it could be worth calling your dentist in Windermere, FL to schedule a checkup.

Emergency Dentistry in Windermere

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Windermere, FL, the team at Inspired Dental offers both general and emergency services. Whether you lose a tooth or wake up with unexplained throbbing, you can count on us to answer the call in time.

Here, we offer standard business hours alongside emergency hours to ensure our patients get the best in care. If we already have your family history and health details, it gives our dentists that much more confidence under trying circumstances.

When to See an Emergency Dentist 

When emergencies strike, it’s common for panic to set in. While understandable, the sheer shock and stress can unfortunately make it easy to make an error. Here, we’ll look at why and when it makes sense to see an emergency dentist in Windermere, FL, hopefully long before you ever need one, so you’re prepared for anything.

What to Know About Emergency Care

If you live in Windermere, you might assume that your first step should be an urgent care or emergency risk if you lose a tooth or wake up with unexplained oral pain.

The problem is that while an ER doctor can prescribe you necessary (sometimes life-saving) medications, they don’t have the same skills as an emergency dentist. That’s why it’s so important to know which issues warrant the late-night call to a specialist.

Dental Emergencies in Windermere, FL

At Inspired Dental, we recommend calling for the following:

  • Severe pain/bleeding: Mild to moderate pain that can be easily controlled at home may not warrant an emergency, but severe pain or bleeding could mean that you have serious tooth or gum damage.
  • Fever: Fevers accompanied by pain could signify a tooth infection (which can potentially escape through your bloodstream and to your heart).
  • Knocked-out tooth: A dentist can potentially save a tooth with the root attached if it’s been knocked out by trauma.

At Inspired Dental, we’re here to answer your questions about what constitutes an emergency and whether it’s worth a visit in the middle of the night. Before you drive to the ER, just remember that an emergency dentist in Windermere, FL may be able to do much more than just patch you up until you’re ready to visit your general dentist.