What to do for a bad tooth

A “bad tooth” may have decay reaching dentine or pulp, a crack, a failed filling, gum infection, an abscess, trauma, or a loose tooth. Treatment depends on pulp vitality, remaining tooth structure, periodontal support, bite, and whether infection has spread.

Rinse gently, brush around the area, avoid chewing on that side, and record when symptoms began and what triggers them. Do not place aspirin or chemicals on the gum, pierce swelling, or use leftover antibiotics; a dentist may need an examination, cold or electric pulp tests, radiographs, drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, crown, or extraction.

Get urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, spreading redness, severe worsening pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing. After an injury, preserve a displaced or broken fragment and seek immediate advice.

Ask what structure is damaged, whether the pulp and supporting bone are involved, which treatments can save the tooth, what happens if it is removed, and what symptoms require emergency escalation.