Pain from a back tooth often spreads to the ear, temple or side of the head because they share nerve pathways. An infected molar, a wisdom tooth coming in, or clenching your jaw are common causes, but only an exam can tell which one applies. Sometimes the ear itself is the problem and the pain ... Read more
No. A tooth infection does not go away on its own. The pain may fade for a while, but the bacteria stay inside the tooth or gum and can spread. See a dentist as soon as you can, and go to an emergency room if you have swelling with a fever or trouble breathing or ... Read more
Not having dental insurance shouldn't stop you from getting a dental emergency checked. Ask the office up front what the exam and X-rays cost, ask for a written treatment estimate before any work, and ask about payment options. Getting seen early is usually less costly than waiting until a problem gets bigger. Why waiting tends ... Read more
Some soreness after a tooth is pulled is normal, and it should slowly get better. Pain that gets worse two to four days later, often spreading to your ear, may be dry socket. Call the dentist who did the extraction. If they can't see you, an emergency dentist can. Dry socket isn't dangerous in most ... Read more
Usually not. Emergency rooms in Arizona generally don't have a dentist on staff, so they don't extract teeth. They treat dangerous swelling, uncontrolled bleeding and facial trauma, then send you to a dentist. For a same-day extraction in Phoenix, call (602) 737-2446. Our office is open Monday through Saturday, 7am to 5pm. What the ER ... Read more