Addressing the dental emergency of pain in our Pontiac and Waterford offices

We tend to think of traumatic scenarios when considering what constitutes a dental emergency. A lost tooth or soft tissue injury is good reason to contact your Pontiac dentist right away. However, your persistent toothache can also lead you to require dental care when you least expect it. Dental pain is actually one of the most common dental emergencies.

Millions of individuals contact their dentists with dental pain, which may be experienced as:
  • Dull, relentless throbbing.
  • Intense sensitivity to heat, cold, or sugary foods and beverages.
  • Persistent, generalized ache.
  • Localized pain in a tooth.
  • Referred pain, in which pain signals are felt in an area away from the source.
  • Jaw or facial pain.
Ideally, this form of dental emergency would be avoided. Following the recommendations of the American Dental Association - twice a day brushing and daily flossing - makes a significant impact on the health of teeth and gums. When sugary treats are consumed, brushing or at least rinsing the mouth with water is beneficial, as natural oral bacteria are nourished by sugars and starches. Limiting bacterial activity through excellent oral hygiene protects teeth from disease and helps protect you from tooth pain. Another way of preventing a toothache is to maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist at Metropolitan Dental Centers can assess the teeth and gums, catching any potential problems early, and providing treatment so that pain can be avoided.

If you do experience a toothache, contact our Pontiac or Waterford office. We see dental emergencies as quickly as possible, and provide guidance to help you feel better until your appointment time. A toothache might be immediately soothed by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Flossing can remove any particles of food that may be causing discomfort. To decrease pain, an over the counter pain reliever may be appropriate, such as Tylenol or a topical ointment.

Dental pain is not an issue that should be handled only at home. Should the application of a topical ointment improve comfort, the results are only temporary. To relieve pain permanently, professional dental treatment is necessary. We will perform a gentle, thorough evaluation and treat the cause of tooth pain effectively.

Don't let a toothache keep you down. Contact Metropolitan Dental Centers for your urgent care needs.

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