Toothaches can arise for various reasons, and while many patients choose to avoid seeing their dentist for emergency care. It is the belief that the pain will go away on its own, but even if it does, it doesn’t mean the tooth is in better shape; in fact, it can mean something much worse. Can a toothache be fatal? Keep reading to learn the answer and what you should do at the first sign of this kind of dental emergency.
What Can Happen if You Fail to Treat Your Toothache?
If you do not see your dentist for your painful toothache, the consequences can be more dire than you think. If the infection reaches the innermost area of your tooth, the pulp, it can cause a dental abscess to form. Typically, a root canal can prevent this problem.
However, as late as 1908, dental infections were considered potentially fatal, with 10-40 percent of cases resulting in death.
Nowadays, this type of infection resulting in fatalities is rare, but it’s not impossible. If it spreads to other parts of your body, it can put your overall health at risk. You can suffer from:
- Sepsis
- Endocarditis
- Ludwig’s angina
- A brain abscess
- Osteomyelitis
- And more
These kinds of life-threatening complications should lead you to seek emergency treatment as soon as possible instead of holding off to see if it will ease up on its own.
When Should You See Your Emergency Dentist?
You should plan to see your emergency dentist in Long Island City if you:
- Develop throbbing pain around the affected tooth
- Have a persistent bad taste in your mouth
- See that your gums appear red and start to bleed
- Notice the tooth appears discolored
- Experience tooth sensitivity caused by pressure or extreme temperatures
There are instances when you may need to visit your local emergency room before seeing your dentist. If you notice any of the following, do not wait to seek immediate medical attention:
- You develop a fever
- Your lymph nodes are swollen
- You experience nausea or begin to vomit
- You have a headache
- You notice swelling around your eyes, face, or neck
- You are struggling to breathe, chew, speak, or swallow
- You are having difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- You have developed a rapid heartbeat
When you visit your dentist, they will assess the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. This may include a root canal, a tooth extraction, or antibiotics (often combined with other treatments).
When treated early, you can be rid of your toothache and continue to enjoy a healthier smile. Don’t dismiss the pain; instead, see your emergency dentist for timely help.
About the Practice
LIC Dental Associates is led by a team of highly qualified and respected dental experts who provide emergency dentistry to patients in need. Offering same-day appointments, regardless of the type of pain you’re experiencing, we can address the issue right away and restore your oral health and smile. If you or a loved one is suffering from a toothache, visit our website or call (718) 530–6539 to schedule an appointment.