After going to the dentist for a bad toothache, they may have discovered that you have an abscessed tooth. Because the abscess is not severe yet, they may have sent you home with antibiotics to help kill off the bacterial infection.

While antibiotic treatment is effective for getting rid of an abscess, there is always a possibility that something could happen that causes the pocket to burst open, which would spread the infection throughout your body. Be on the lookout for a couple of the symptoms indicating that your abscessed tooth has gotten worse, requiring emergency dental care to treat it before it causes complications.

1. Sharp, Unexpected Pain in the Tooth or Gum That You Cannot Relieve with At-Home Remedies

One symptom that you should watch out for when you have an abscessed tooth is sharp, unexpected pain. When the tooth is infected, you may expect to have an increase in pain when you are eating or drinking.

However, if there is sudden pain for no discernible reason that does not go away with at-home remedies such as over-the-counter pain medicine or salt water rinses, this could indicate that the abscess has grown and is pressing on a nerve. Or, the pocket of infection may have burst open, causing the pain. Either way, you need to seek emergency treatment for the tooth.

2. A Fever Comes on Rapidly and Is Accompanied by a Headache or Vomiting 

Along with the sudden increase in pain, another symptom that should alert you to a serious problem with your tooth's abscess is a fever that comes on rapidly. Along with the spike in your temperature, you may also have a severe headache or vomiting.

If you are having these symptoms, there is a strong possibility that the abscess has ruptured, allowing the infection to enter your bloodstream and spread. Since this could cause a widespread infection in your body known as sepsis, do not ignore these symptoms and seek out emergency dental care immediately.

If you have sudden, sharp pain in your tooth or gum that is not caused by eating or drinking something and is not relieved with at-home remedies, the abscess may have grown large enough to hit a nerve or could be ready to burst open. If you experience a rapid-onset fever along with a headache or vomiting, it may have already burst and is in danger of causing a systemic infection. If you are unable to make an immediate appointment with your dentist to have them examine the abscessed tooth, visit an emergency dental care service to be treated right away.

For more information on emergency dental care, contact a professional near you.