A tooth with significant sensitivity, decay, and abscess may be treatable with root canal treatment if the tooth is restorable and there is a good prognosis. However, with severe breakdown, fracture, or facial infection, the best treatment option may be extractions of the offending teeth.
Emergency Treatment for Infections:
- Elimination of the infection source (extraction or root canal treatment)
- Antibiotics
- Drainage if indicated
How Long Before Pain and Swelling Resolve?
Following appropriate treatment, pain subsides significantly and resolves completely within five to seven days. Pain medications can provide relief during this period. Swelling responds well to the treatment and antibiotics and resolves gradually over seven to 10 days.
Safety of Procedures:
Emergency oral procedures are safe and predictable when performed by a skilled and experienced oral surgeon. Specialized instruments and techniques are used for teeth extraction. Dr. Kazemi specializes in the management of oral pain and infections and has treated thousands of patients successfully. The office is also designed and equipped for oral surgical procedures, and his team receives ongoing specialty training and education for total patient care. Methodical, exacting, and detailed protocols are followed strictly to make sure every patient has a safe, comfortable, and successful extraction.
How Soon Should I see a Dentist?
The presence of pain or swelling needs immediate evaluation by your dentist or oral surgeon. Infection can spread very quickly and cause life-threatening complications.
Emergency Treatment for Pain:
Pain and swelling can occur suddenly and progress rapidly. Early evaluation and immediate extractions or root canal treatment are the only ways to solve the problem. Until you can see your dentist or oral surgeon, here is what you can do about pain and swelling.
Managing Pain:
When there is no associated swelling, drainage, or difficulty opening the mouth.
- Take 400-600 mg ibuprofen (2-3 tablets of Advil) or 500-1000 mg of Tylenol every four hours for pain.
- If pain becomes more severe, you may take Vicodin or Tylenol #3 prescribed by your dentist.
- Call your dentist immediately for evaluation or referral to an oral surgeon.
- Mild inflammation may resolve by simply brushing the area and keeping it clean.
- Treatment (extractions or root canal) should be done as soon as possible before a potential increase in pain and infection.
Emergency Treatment for Pain and Swelling:
When there is pain associated with facial or gum tissue swelling with possible drainage of pus or difficulty opening mouth.
- Take 400-600 mg Ibuprofen (2-3 tablets of Advil) or 500-1000 mg of Tylenol every four to six hours.
- Contact Dr. Kazemi for immediate evaluation.
- Begin antibiotic therapy immediately. If you cannot see an oral surgeon right away, ask your dentist to prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
- The appropriate treatment should be done as soon as possible, before infection spreads and involves other areas of the face with potentially life-threatening consequences. This may include extraction, drainage of infection.
- Do not apply ice. It does not improve swelling caused by infection.Do not place a heat pack on the face as it can draw the pus from the infection towards the skin and cause scarring.