A severe toothache may feel sharp, throbbing, constant, or sensitive to temperature and pressure. Pain can originate from decay, an inflamed nerve, infection, a crack, exposed tooth structure, gum disease, or an uneven bite.
The intensity of pain does not always reveal how serious the condition is. A tooth with severe sensitivity may still be treatable with a filling, while a tooth with little discomfort may have an infection developing around the root.
Dr. Vo evaluates the location, duration, triggers, and pattern of symptoms. Dental images and clinical tests help determine whether the tooth needs a filling, crown, root canal treatment, extraction, bite adjustment, or another form of care.
Until the appointment, patients may gently clean around the tooth and use approved over-the-counter medication according to the product directions and personal medical history. Aspirin should not be placed directly against the tooth or gum because it can irritate and burn the tissue.
Teeth can fracture because of decay, large fillings, grinding, biting hard foods, trauma, or long-term structural weakness. Damage may involve a small enamel chip or a deep crack extending toward the nerve or root.
A minor chip may create a rough edge without significant pain. A deeper fracture can cause sensitivity, sharp discomfort while biting, or movement of a broken portion of the tooth.
Emergency treatment may include smoothing a sharp edge, placing bonding or a temporary restoration, protecting the tooth with a crown, or beginning root canal treatment when the internal tissue has been exposed.
A fracture extending deeply below the gum or into the root may prevent the tooth from being restored predictably. Dr. Vo will evaluate the extent of damage and explain whether preservation or extraction offers the more dependable outcome.
A dental abscess is a collection of infection that may develop near the root of a tooth or within the surrounding gums. Symptoms can include swelling, pressure, tenderness, drainage, a bad taste, fever, or pain that spreads into the jaw, ear, or face.
Antibiotics may be prescribed when infection is spreading, accompanied by systemic symptoms, or affecting surrounding tissues. However, medication alone does not remove the source inside a severely infected tooth.
Definitive treatment may involve root canal therapy, drainage, periodontal treatment, or extraction. The appropriate choice depends on whether the tooth can be restored and where the infection originated.
Swelling that increases rapidly, spreads toward the eye or neck, or interferes with swallowing or breathing requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms should not wait for a routine dental visit.
A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out requires urgent care. The chance of successful reimplantation may decrease as the tooth remains outside the socket, especially when the root surface dries.
Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the visible white portion, rather than touching the root. If debris is present, rinse it gently without scrubbing or removing attached tissue.
When appropriate and safe, the tooth may be placed back into the socket gently. Otherwise, it should be kept moist in an approved tooth-preservation solution, milk, or as directed by the dental team while immediate care is arranged.
A displaced tooth that remains partly within the socket also requires prompt evaluation. Do not force it back into position unless instructed. Baby teeth should not be reimplanted because doing so may damage the developing permanent tooth.
A filling or crown may become loose because of decay, wear, bite pressure, failure of the bonding material, or fracture of the tooth underneath. The exposed area may feel sensitive, sharp, or uncomfortable during chewing.
If a crown comes off, keep it in a clean container and bring it to the appointment. The restoration may occasionally be reused when it remains intact and the supporting tooth is healthy.
Do not secure a crown permanently with household glue. These materials are not intended for oral use and may damage the tooth or interfere with professional treatment.
Emergency care may involve recementing the restoration, placing a temporary filling, smoothing the area, treating decay, or creating a new crown. Avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been evaluated.
Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks may occur from falls, sports, accidental biting, broken teeth, or sharp dental appliances. Many minor cuts bleed heavily because the mouth has a rich blood supply.
Apply gentle, steady pressure using clean gauze or a cloth. A cold compress outside the mouth may help control swelling and discomfort.
Bleeding that does not slow with consistent pressure, a deep wound, embedded debris, or an injury extending through the lip may require urgent medical evaluation or suturing.
The teeth and bone should also be examined after facial trauma even when the soft-tissue injury appears to be the main concern. Fractures, displaced teeth, and root damage may not be immediately visible.
