Should I See an Emergency Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Wisdom tooth pain can become so unbearable that it requires the attention of an emergency dentist. Sometimes, home remedies and over-the-counter medications provide temporary relief. Even so, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Waiting until the last minute to do so can prove detrimental.

When to see an emergency dentist for pain

It is fairly normal for people to experience pain or discomfort when a wisdom tooth begins to erupt. However, many complications can arise along the way. The wisdom tooth may not have enough room to grow or it may even erupt with an existing cavity. These risks make it even more important for people to identify when emergency care becomes necessary.

Hole in the tooth

If a wisdom tooth has holes, indentations, or craters, consider booking an emergency appointment. These factors usually indicate the potential of cavities or exposed nerves. When this is the case, the pain may only worsen until a dentist resolves the issue.

Loose tooth nearby

If there is not enough space for the wisdom tooth to grow, it can pose a threat to healthy teeth nearby when it pushes against them. Those teeth may become loose and could even fall out. Once someone loses a tooth, it can become expensive to replace.

Severe pain

Everyone has a different threshold for pain, so severe pain is a relative term. Even so, if the pain becomes more than a person can bear, it is time to seek medical intervention. Here are some indications of nearing or surpassing the pain threshold:

• Natural remedies lose effectiveness.
• Everyday painkillers take longer to work or become ineffective.
• Pain lasts for more than a few hours or a few days.
• Wisdom tooth pain mutates into headaches or migraines.
• Concentration becomes difficult and work suffers.

Lifestyle interruptions

If wisdom tooth pain becomes so bad that someone feels the need to stay home from work, cancel social gatherings, or avoid specific foods, it is time for a dentist to intervene. The sooner patients get the tooth looked at, the sooner they can return to regular life.

How to prepare for an emergency dentist visit

Pain can make it difficult to think straight in an emergency, so it is better to plan for an emergency trip to the dentist long before it becomes necessary. Find a family member or friend who can assist with transportation and moral support. Also gather any documentation or cards necessary for identification, payment, and proof of insurance. 

Finally, gather a few emergency items for the drive. The items to keep on hand depend on the specific symptoms. For instance, patients experiencing bleeding gums may bring gauze, while those experiencing pain can keep ibuprofen handy.

The bottom line

It is common for people to seek home remedies to reduce the need for a visit to the dentist’s office and to reduce costs. However, there are some dental emergencies that only dentists should handle. If you have such an emergency, consider booking an appointment sooner rather than later.

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