Dental emergencies are no fun. They are often very painful. Stopping the pain, even if only for a short amount of time, should be a top priority for patients. While making an appointment with an Emergency Dentist St Peter MN as soon as possible is imperative, there are a few things to do while you wait.
Toothache Pain
Anyone who has ever experienced a toothache knows that this pain is unbearable. It’s even been known to wake a person from a sound sleep. Severe toothaches are considered a high priority by dentists, but before the appointment, reducing the pain is a must.
Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. While these medications won’t cure a toothache, they may help to take the edge off. Ask a pharmacist how much you can safely take before your dental appointment.
If the pain is still too much to handle, then try numbing the area with ice. This also helps to reduce swelling caused by inflammation. Many toothaches are due to infection, so ask the dentist to prescribe an antibiotic. Once the infection is under control, the pain should subside.
Exposed Nerve
Large cavities, damaged crowns, and fractured teeth may cause severe pain, especially is the nerve is exposed. If the pain is minor and only occurs when a stimulus, such as cold water, is applied to the area, then over-the-counter medications are often enough.
Minor tooth sensitivity can be treated temporarily with a desensitizing toothpaste. Cover the entire tooth with a large quantity of the toothpaste and rub it in. Look for toothpaste that contain potassium nitrate. Mouthwash that is high in fluoride may also help.
If the pain is constant, then try packing the tooth with a clove oil compress. Soak some cotton balls in clove oil, and place it directly on the affected tooth. Bite down to keep the compress in place. Continue doing this until it’s possible to see an Emergency Dentist in St Peter MN.
The pain from a damaged or sensitive tooth may be too much to bear. Try treating the pain at home while waiting for an appointment with Mankato Family Dentistry. Pain is never normal, and a sudden toothache should always be evaluated by a local dentist.