Introduction to Urgent Dental Problems

Creator: Michael N. Wajdowicz
Published: 2020-11-04

Michael N. Wajdowicz

, DDS, Veterans Administration

Last full review/revision Nov 2020| Content last modified Nov 2020

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Certain dental problems require prompt treatment to relieve discomfort and minimize damage to the structures of the mouth. Such urgent dental problems include

Toothaches Toothache Toothache, pain in and around the teeth, is a common problem, particularly among people with poor oral hygiene. Pain may be constant, felt after stimulation (from heat, cold, sweet food or drink... read more
Fractured, loosened, and knocked-out teeth Fractured, Loosened, or Knocked-Out Teeth Fractured, loosened, or knocked-out teeth are some of the urgent dental problems that require prompt attention. Teeth are commonly cracked (fractured), loosened, or knocked out (avulsed) when... read more
Jaw fractures Fractured, Loosened, or Knocked-Out Teeth Fractured, loosened, or knocked-out teeth are some of the urgent dental problems that require prompt attention. Teeth are commonly cracked (fractured), loosened, or knocked out (avulsed) when... read more
A dislocated jaw Fractures of the Jaw and Midface Injuries to the face often occur in combination. For example, the eye and the nose or the mouth and the cheek can be damaged as a result of the same injury. A broken lower jaw usually causes... read more
Infections of the bone (osteomyelitis) Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi can infect bones by spreading through the bloodstream or, more often, by... read more of the jaw
Certain complications that can develop after dental treatment Complications After Dental Treatment Complications after a dental procedure that include swelling and pain, dry socket, osteomyelitis, bleeding, and osteonecrosis of the jaw comprise another set of urgent dental problems that require... read more

To relieve most dental pain and discomfort, people can take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) by mouth. To relieve severe pain, people may need to combine these drugs with more powerful prescription opioid pain relievers such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone. To relieve pain resulting from a surgical procedure, people may alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3 hours for a short period of time.

To treat infections caused by dental problems, doctors and dentists give penicillin, amoxicillin, or clindamycin.

People with certain heart conditions or some people who have a weak immune system and a prosthetic joint are given antibiotics to prevent infection of the heart Prevention Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium) and usually also of the heart valves. Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel... read more (endocarditis) or joint that may result from some invasive dental procedures.

The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

Mouth Healthy: This resource provides information on oral health, including nutrition and guidance on selecting products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval, as well as advice on how to find a dentist and when to see one.

Generic Name	Select Brand Names
acetaminophen	TYLENOL
ibuprofen	ADVIL, MOTRIN IB
codeine	No US brand name
oxycodone	OXYCONTIN
amoxicillin	AMOXIL
clindamycin	CLEOCIN

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION

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Introduction to Urgent Dental Problems

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