What to do if your tooth is killing you?

If you're experiencing excruciating tooth pain, immediate action is crucial. Here's a breakdown of what to do:

Recognizing a Dental Emergency

First, it's important to determine if your tooth pain constitutes a dental emergency.

Severe, unbearable pain is a key indicator.
Fever and chills in addition to tooth pain signal a potentially serious infection.

Contact a Dentist Immediately: If your tooth pain is intense, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Explain the severity of your pain.
Emergency Room Visit (If Necessary): According to available information, if you experience unbearable tooth pain along with fever and chills, call a dentist or go to your nearest emergency room right away. This indicates a potential dental emergency where infection could spread.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: While waiting for professional care, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the pain.
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth. This can help reduce swelling and numb the area.

Even if you think you can manage the pain temporarily, remember this:

Infection can spread. Though rare, infection in your mouth can spread to other areas of your body, including your brain and bloodstream, with serious consequences.
Delaying treatment can lead to more complex and costly procedures later.

Severity of Pain	Other Symptoms	Action
Severe, Unbearable	None	Contact dentist immediately
Severe, Unbearable	Fever, Chills	Contact dentist or go to the nearest emergency room
Moderate to Severe	None	Contact dentist for an appointment