23
Mar
Ouch, my aching tooth! Now what???
If you have dropped everything to Google for a “dentist near me in South Holland,” you may be in the middle of a true-blue dental emergency. A toothache is a big reason that patients reach out to Pleasant Dental® for help. Our team in Dolton, Illinois, knows you wanted pain relief yesterday. The next best time to feel like yourself again is now, free of the things that keep you up at night and take over your day-to-day life.
What can I take right away to help with the pain?
In our experience, the single best pain medication for a toothache is ibuprofen, as long as you’re not allergic to it and take it safely. For a typical adult, you should take no more than 800 milligrams, and preferably 600mg, of ibuprofen within a six- to eight-hour period.
Will the pain go away on its own?
Sorry, but a toothache rarely goes away on its own. Cracks, decay, or infection often cause persistent bad toothaches. And even if the pain does go away, this can be a bad sign. It may mean that the pulp inside the tooth has died. If you have an infection, it won’t go away even though the pain has stopped. The infection can spread and cause more problems.
How do I know if it’s an infection?
There are some telltale signs besides pain. Your gums may be swollen and painful to the touch. Your face may look puffy. You may notice a foul taste in your mouth. When it comes to dental infections (abscesses), ibuprofen isn’t enough. You need a prescription antibiotic.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (708) 576-1900 | Existing Patients: (708) 849-4400 Request an Appointment
What happens if I don’t treat a dental infection?
Abscesses can spread. All infections can be dangerous. Oral infections can be particularly bad because severe swelling may obstruct your airway. If you are having problems breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth, this is a medical emergency. It requires immediate care at the ER.
What if I’m scared to go to the dentist?
Pleasant Dental® isn’t just a name. We have lots of experience treating patients like you. It’s a judgment-free zone, and we take a medication-free approach to put you at ease. You’ll always know as much or as little about what we are doing during your visit as you’d like to know. We are a warm and welcoming bunch, as is the design and feel of our office. We can also use distraction techniques to help you focus on something other than your dental care concerns. When you feel comfortable, you keep coming back to us for care and are less likely to have a (preventable) dental emergency. And emergencies are preventable with good, ongoing care!
If you are concerned about a tooth, call our South Holland office in Dolton, IL at (708) 576-1900 today. Better yet, call us when you are not in pain or concerned about a tooth so we can keep it that way!
Dean Dietrich, DMD
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
