Your Emergency Dentists in West Indianapolis Discuss What to Do If You Have a Toothache
At Westside Family Dental, we understand that dental emergencies don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule. A toothache can strike at any time—during dinner, in the middle of the night, or over the weekend. That’s why we're here to guide you on what to do if you’re in pain and need help from an emergency dentist in West Indianapolis.
What Causes a Toothache?
Most toothaches are caused by cavities, tooth decay, or an infection that has reached the nerve of the tooth. In some cases, it could also be due to a cracked tooth, gum disease, or an abscess. These issues usually require professional care, such as a dental filling, root canal, or extraction.
That’s why it’s important to call Westside Family Dental as soon as you feel any discomfort. If your toothache happens outside of our regular office hours, there are still a few things you can do at home to relieve the pain until you can be seen by our team.
At-Home Toothache Relief
If you're experiencing a dental emergency and cannot reach an emergency dentist in West Indianapolis right away, try these tips for temporary relief:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are often more effective for dental pain than Tylenol or aspirin. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
- Topical Gels: Products like Orajel or other numbing gels can be applied directly to the affected area for temporary relief.
- Temporary Dental Fillings: If a cavity or lost filling is causing your pain, you can use a temporary sedative filling (available at most drugstores) to seal the area until you can be seen.
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and clean the area around the painful tooth.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. These steps can provide short-term relief, but they are not substitutes for professional dental care. It's important to contact our emergency dentist in West Indianapolis as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait—contact Westside Family Dental immediately:
- Persistent, throbbing pain
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Fever accompanied by a toothache
- A cracked or broken tooth A knocked-out tooth
These are signs of a serious dental issue that may require urgent treatment.
Trust Westside Family Dental for Emergency Care
At Westside Family Dental, your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Whether it's during office hours or after, we want you to know that you’re not alone when dental pain strikes. If you’re searching for a trusted emergency dentist in West Indianapolis, we’re here to help.
Call us as soon as you experience any signs of dental discomfort, and we’ll do our best to see you as quickly as possible. Your smile is in good hands with Westside Family Dental.
