Not every dental emergency is avoidable. Some are the result of accidental injuries, while others develop from untreated infection or damage. Before you call our office and schedule an emergency appointment, we understand you may have questions about your specific problem. At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to be as well-informed as possible so you can handle your situation with ease. That’s why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out!
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Since teeth cannot heal by themselves, it’s very unlikely that your toothache will go away on its own. That’s why it’s always best to schedule a checkup with your dentist to ensure nothing is wrong. In some cases, pain around the tooth (like minor gum injuries) may resolve without treatment. Of course, you should still seek treatment from a professional as there are many possible causes for tooth pain. With early intervention, you can address the underlying issue before it turns into a painful complication.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
The best thing you can do is keep your head elevated! Doing so will prevent blood from rushing to your head and worsening the pain. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter pain medication and use a cold compress to alleviate your discomfort, minimize inflammation, and reduce swelling. Make sure you avoid acidic, cold, or hard foods right before going to bed for improved comfort.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
Most emergency rooms are unable to effectively treat dental emergencies because they often don’t have a professional on staff. For that reason, it’s always best to visit an emergency dentist in Fairfax first. However, going to the ER might be a better option for you if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Jaw fractures and dislocations
- Serious cuts or lacerations to the face or mouth
- Abscess or infection that’s swollen to the point of it affecting breathing or swallowing
What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?
In most cases, throbbing tooth pain is a sign of an infection or inflammation within the tooth. When cavities inside the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the sensitive inner pulp area, it can lead to irritation and infection of the pulp nerves, causing pain. On the other hand, your throbbing teeth could be the result of chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Do Chipped Teeth Heal On Their Own?
According to the American Dental Association, the hardest substance in the human body is the enamel. That said, while it is made out of organic material, it does not heal on its own like the other organs. This means that even if you break it or experience a small chip, it will not grow back over time. You can expect a damaged tooth to remineralize, but this will only strengthen it again and not cause it to regenerate. The only way to repair the structure of a tooth is by undergoing restorative or cosmetic dentistry, such as a crown or dental bonding.
Can I Fix Dentures That Are Broken in Half?
It can feel unsettling and overwhelming if your denture has been completely broken in half. However, your first response should be to schedule an appointment with your prosthodontist, as they’re the only ones skilled enough to repair it effectively. The last thing you’d want to do is try to fix your restoration on your own with household products, such as super glue, as this can cause further damage to your denture or even be hazardous to you.
Generally speaking, a denture that’s been broken in half will need to be replaced entirely. The best step you can take is to visit the dentist you received your restoration from, as they may provide a spare one. If you already have a spare, be sure to only use it until you get your permanent denture.
Should Knocked-Out Teeth Be Placed in Water?
While it makes sense to store objects in water to keep them clean, the same does not apply to your pearly whites. The only reason you should use water on your teeth is to rinse them, not to store them in water for long periods. This is because the root surface cells of your teeth can end up being damaged by the particles, lowering your chance of getting it placed back in the socket successfully.
After getting a tooth knocked out, you should first try to re-insert it in your mouth (if it’s still intact). If this isn’t viable, keep it between your cheeks and gums without swallowing it. Alternatively, you can store it in saline solution or milk until you can see your emergency dentist.
What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?
The most common reason for jaw pain is chronic teeth clenching and grinding, as this places pressure and stress on the jaw joints. This condition can also come about from facial injuries you may have suffered that never healed properly or even arthritis. Furthermore, if you’re experiencing a bite or jaw misalignment, it can result in TMJ disorder (TMD), which impacts the joints connecting your jaw to the skull. By visiting your dentist, they can assess your situation and determine the root of the issue so that they can design the appropriate treatment plan for long-term relief.