Emergency Dentist: can the dental clinic do anything for tooth pain?

Nothing is as distressing as seeing your child in pain, especially if you don’t know the cause and how to relieve it. In particular, tooth pain can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep, or do anything.

Suppose your child is experiencing severe tooth pain that won’t respond to pain medications and home remedies. Emergency dental care may be necessary to alleviate the pain and address the underlying condition. Keep reading to learn more about what the emergency dentist can do for severe toothache and common causes of dental emergencies in children.

Can the Dental Clinic Help With Tooth Pain?

Yes, the emergency dental clinic can help your child if they’re experiencing severe tooth pain. Emergency dentists treat oral emergencies for dental patients. The emergency dentist will alleviate the pain and examine your child’s teeth and surrounding tissues to determine the root cause. Depending on your child’s condition, the dentist can address the issue right away or recommend that you see your general or family dentist as soon as possible.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Emergency care might be necessary if the pain doesn’t settle after taking medication and trying other therapies. It is especially important if serious symptoms like fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing accompany the pain.

Before seeking emergency care, you can try to reach out to your family or general dentist to diagnose your child’s symptoms. If available, they can guide you on how to care for your child if they are experiencing severe tooth pain. If emergency care is needed, they can refer you to a dental emergency clinic where you can get help. If they aren’t available, visit an emergency dentist near you immediately.

Common causes of severe Tooth Pain in Children

Various factors can cause mild to severe tooth pain in children. These include:

• Severe tooth decay

Tooth decay or cavities are common causes of dental emergencies in adults and children. Initially, tooth decay causes mild to no pain or symptoms. Over time, the decay eats up the tooth, eventually infecting the pulp. You’ll likely experience mild to severe tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, and abscesses at this stage. Common treatments for tooth decay include tooth fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions.

• Gum disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the inflammation of the gum tissues. Untreated or severe gum disease can cause mild to severe dental sensitivity and pain. Possible treatments for gum disease include deep cleaning, antibiotics, and surgery.

• Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pimple that forms around a tooth root. It signifies an infection and can cause severe pain, swelling, bad breath, and fever. You must treat a dental abscess quickly, as the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body. A tooth abscess is often caused by severe tooth decay, periodontitis, and trauma.

• Dental trauma

Severe dental trauma can cause your child’s tooth to chip, break, or fall out, causing severe dental pain. Emergency dental care can alleviate the pain and save your child’s tooth.

• Food trapped between teeth

Sometimes food particles and other things can get trapped between your child’s teeth, resulting in severe pain and discomfort.

• Orthodontic problems

Orthodontic issues like malocclusions, impacted wisdom teeth, and overcrowding can cause significant tooth pain and swelling. Emergency care can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent further complications.

When to Do If Your Child Is Experiencing Tooth Pain

Below are things you can do if your child is experiencing tooth pain:

• Try to determine the cause of the pain. If something is trapped between their teeth, you can try to remove them.
• Take over-the-counter medication. You can give the child pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain.
• Use cold therapy. Applying a cold compress to the painful area can help minimize pain and swelling.

If these remedies work, the relief may be temporary. Taking your child to their dentist as soon as possible is essential for professional examination and treatment. Contact our dentist in 92014 if your child is experiencing tooth pain or has dental problems.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about emergency dental care for your child, contact Sunny Smiles Kids to speak with our dentist in Del Mar, CA.