Sudden or severe facial pain can leave even the most even keeled of us scrambling for answers. Sometimes the source is a dental problem that requires prompt treatment. In other situations, facial pain may indicate a medical emergency that needs immediate attention at a hospital. Let’s look at some common emergencies and distinguish whether a dentist or a doctor is appropriate so you can get the right care as quickly as possible.
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
If your facial pain appears to be coming from a tooth, gums, or another part of your mouth, an emergency dentist may be the right choice. Dental emergencies can include severe toothaches, broken or cracked teeth, dental infections, abscesses, and injuries to the mouth.
Facial swelling accompanied by tooth pain can be a sign of a dental infection. An emergency dentist can evaluate the source of the problem and provide appropriate dental treatment. Common treatments may involve a filling, root canal, extraction, drainage, or another procedure, depending on your particular situation.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are dental in origin, calling a dental office for guidance can help you determine your next step.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Some symptoms require immediate medical attention rather than a trip to the dentist. Go to an emergency room or call 911 if facial pain or swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow. These symptoms can indicate that swelling or infection is affecting your airway and may become life-threatening.
You should also seek emergency medical care for serious facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe trauma, or symptoms suggesting a neurological or medical emergency.
An emergency room can stabilize serious medical conditions, manage severe infections, and treat significant injuries. However, it generally isn’t equipped to provide definitive treatment for most dental problems.
What If You Have Facial Swelling?
Facial swelling shouldn’t be ignored, particularly when it develops alongside tooth pain, fever, a bad taste in your mouth, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.
If the swelling is mild and you can breathe and swallow normally, an emergency dentist may be able to diagnose and treat the underlying dental problem. If swelling is rapidly increasing or affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The right place to seek care depends on what’s causing your symptoms and how severe they are. Dental pain without serious medical symptoms may be best handled by an emergency dentist, while breathing difficulties, swallowing problems, severe trauma, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms require emergency medical attention.
About the Practice
Plum Grove Family Dental in Rolling Meadows is here for you if you’ve suffered a dental emergency. We have same-day emergency appointments and are also available evenings and weekends. Drs. Wang and Modi will quickly work to relieve your pain and treat your issue with expertise and efficiency. Call us quickly so we can begin helping you at (847) 221-5860 or book online.