People with a toothache typically will experience it when they least want it – usually at night, in the morning when they are getting ready to go to work, or right as they are in the middle of something else. In some cases, tooth pain may be mild or transient, whereas other signs indicate more serious conditions. Ignoring a dental situation, particularly a tooth infection, can result in permanent problems in your mouth that may be much more difficult and expensive to repair later on.
The purpose of urgent dental evaluations and tooth infection treatment is to provide rapid relief of pain associated with tooth infections and to maintain oral health and the surrounding tissues.MD Clinics provides immediate medical evaluation, pain relief, antibiotics when indicated, and urgent referral to a dentist. Our goal is to provide a rapid evaluation of your medical condition and dental infection treatment.
The Importance of Emergency Dental Care
Many people do not seek dental emergency care promptly and will often wait until the pain gets worse or try to take over-the-counter pain relievers in an effort to alleviate their discomfort. As many dental problems can escalate very quickly (in particular, dental infections), obtaining emergency dental care as soon as possible can prevent several things, including:
- Injury to tooth roots
- Spread of infection to the jaw and/or face
- Loss of teeth
- Progression of gum disease
- Damage to bone over time
- Severe health effects from systemic infections
The Causes of Tooth Infections
A tooth infection forms when bacteria enter the soft inner structure of a tooth, known as the pulp. After bacteria infiltrate the pulp, they can cause an infected tooth to spread further into the tooth’s dental structure or into the surrounding teeth, leading to considerable discomfort, inflammation, and additional complications related to the associated health effects. Early tooth infection treatment is crucial, as any delay can lead to severe complications. The causes of tooth infections are typically:
- Severe tooth decay
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Untreated cavities
- Gum disease
- Dental trauma
- Failed or older dental restoration(s)
Indicators That You Could Be Infected with a Dental Infection
When a tooth is infected, it often does not show clear signs of infection until the infection has been present for an extended period. The severity of the symptoms you experience will often escalate rapidly. If you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t delay. Visit an MD Clinic or another urgent care clinic that provides prompt dental infection treatment to ensure that you are evaluated and treated effectively. Symptoms that may suggest that you could be infected with a dental infection include:
- Severe toothache (throbbing) that does not go away
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Bitter taste (bad) or halitosis (foul) breath
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food
- Pain when chewing food
- Chills with fever
- Swollen (tender) lymph nodes
- Redness around the infected tooth
- A bump on the gums that resembles a pimple (abscess)
Benefits Of Emergency Dental Care To The Future Of Your Oral Health
A quick response to emergencies creates the best possible opportunity for your healing. Here are some ways emergency dentistry can help maintain your oral health in the long run:
1. Prevents The Spread Of Infection
Emergency dental care is necessary to prevent dental diseases from progressing to severe complications. When infections are not treated quickly, they can spread to:
- The Jawbone
- Surrounding Teeth
- Facial Tissues
- Sinuses
- Blood Stream
2. Prevents Tooth Loss
If left untreated, serious infections can cause enough damage to the bone and support tissues that the affected tooth will be lost. By treating the tooth early, it is usually possible to prevent extraction.
3. Preserves Bone Structure
When an infection reaches the jawbone, it causes bone loss. An emergency dental examination helps identify infections before they reach the jawbone. This results in preserving bone around the teeth and will:
- Help maintain the supportive structures for the adjacent teeth
- Make it easier for you to have dental implants in the future
- Help maintain your facial structure
4. Reduce Future Costs Of Treatment
As mentioned previously, dental work is expensive. Early intervention is always less complicated and less expensive than extensive dental work for the same condition later on. The longer you delay, the more complex your tooth infection treatment will become. Emergency dental care can help prevent the need for:
- Root Canal Treatment
- Dental Crowns
- Extractions
- Dental Implants
- Surgical Procedures On The Gums
5. Quickly Relieve Your Pain
A toothache is not easy to ignore! It would be prudent to address your toothache as soon as possible to prevent future damage and to relieve the pain so you can return to your usual activities.
How MD Clinics Can Help You With Your Tooth Infection
Most of the time, dentists perform most dental work, but in emergencies, MD clinics provide urgent care when a dentist isn’t immediately available. We provide care to stabilize you and prevent complications until definitive dental care is obtained. At the MD clinic, we provide:
Same-Day Evaluation for Dental Pain
No need to wait for a dental appointment to take care of your dental pain.
Medical Treatment for Dental Infections
To provide you with antibiotics and medication to treat and control your dental infection while waiting to see a dentist.
Pain Control
To make sure you are comfortable while we’re treating your dental issues.
Clear instructions for Following Up
We will instruct you on what to do and when you should see a dentist.
Convenient Access
If you are looking for an urgent care clinic near me or have an urgent care issue in Anaheim, we are here to help!
What to Expect When Visiting an Emergency Dentist at MD Clinics
If you’re not sure of what to expect when you come to see us, here’s a brief overview:
1. Symptoms Assessment
Our Medical Providers will examine your mouth to assess any swelling and ask you to describe the type of pain you’re experiencing.
2. Diagnosis
We’ll determine whether you have a dental infection, an abscess, or another condition causing your symptoms.
3. Treatment Plan
We’ll prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infection, provide options for pain relief, and give you general instructions about what you shouldn’t do until you can see a dentist.
4. Follow-Up Instructions
We explain when and how to proceed with the dental treatment you need to fully resolve your problem.
When to Get Emergency Care Immediately
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an infection that needs to be treated urgently:
- High fever along with dental discomfort
- Swollen face
- Inability to swallow
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden and/or severe pain in the teeth
- A painful broken tooth
- Possible abscess
Conclusion
All patients must seek prompt care for dental pain or infection to help ensure long-term oral health. Addressing issues promptly can help reduce complications such as bone damage, tooth loss, or infection spread; thus, the sooner you seek support, the easier and less stressful the recovery will be. By going to an urgent care in Anaheim, you can receive the help needed to stabilize your situation, ease the pain, and protect your teeth and gums. With MD Clinics, you can receive prompt evaluation, manage pain, receive advice, and prepare for the right tooth infection treatment for a visit with your dentist. When you seek care for a dental problem promptly, you are likely to experience a better outcome and greater peace of mind.
Learn more about whether a chipped tooth counts as an emergency here: Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency? Why It’s Time to See Your Anaheim Provider
FAQs
Can urgent care treat tooth infections?
An urgent care clinic can offer treatment for tooth infections by providing medications such as antibiotics or painkillers until you can see your dentist.
When should I see a doctor instead of a dentist?
If you have a fever, swelling, or severe pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.
What happens if a tooth infection is left untreated?
In some cases, if a tooth infection goes untreated for an extended period, it can spread to the jaw, face, and bloodstream, resulting in permanent oral damage and/or life-threatening health issues.
How do I know if I have an abscess?
Signs of an abscess can include swollen gums, extreme pain, fever, and/or a bump on your gums. All of these issues require urgent dental treatment.
Will antibiotics cure a tooth infection completely?
Antibiotics can help control the infection, but you will still need proper dental treatment to address the underlying cause of the tooth infection.
