Is Tooth Pain Considered a Dental Emergency?

Have you been experiencing tooth pain recently? They can sometimes feel like the worst discomfort in the world. Even if you believe that you are well equipped to handle this pain, it still isn’t a good idea to go too long without getting dental attention. A toothache typically means that something isn’t quite right in your mouth. You are much better off if you head to the dental office to have the issue looked at. Read on to learn if this is a dental emergency and some of the reasons it could be happening.

Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

If you have been experiencing a toothache for more than a day or two and it’s causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, this could easily mean that you are dealing with a dental emergency. You could have a cavity, infected tooth, or another issue that will not go away on its own. Without proper treatment from an emergency dentist, your condition is likely not to get any better.

What Are the Causes of Toothaches?

There are numerous reasons why you could be experience a toothache. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Cavities: If you have a cavity that has penetrated through the protective enamel and into the dentin of the tooth, you are likely to experience pain and discomfort when you chew. This is especially the case whenever you eat sweet, sugary foods or foods that are particularly hot or cold.
• Infected tooth: A cavity that is left untreated can cause the entire tooth to become infected. At this point, there is extreme pain and discomfort. You may require a root canal in order to save your tooth. The pain is usually accompanied by tooth sensitivity and swelling of the gums.
• Oral trauma: If your mouth has been injured and you are experiencing pain, one of your teeth could have been cracked or broken.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding): Bruxism is an issue where you clench and/or grind your teeth, usually during the night. Doing this for a long period of time can put stress on the ligaments and roots of the teeth, causing them to become achy. If you think this may be an issue, this is something you should bring up to your dentist.

What Should You Do If You Have a Toothache?

The first thing you should do if you are experiencing a toothache is call your dentist to make an appointment. Before your visit, try the following to relieve pain:

• Use an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Rinse with saltwater
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling

If you have a toothache, don’t delay seeing your emergency dentist. The sooner that you head to the dentist, the quicker you will be able to have the issue resolved so you can get some relief.

About the Author

At Orange Place Family Dentistry, Drs. Jerome Faist and Jed Koops provide a wide range of dental treatments to their patients in the Beachwood, OH. They are both members of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and Ohio Dental Association. If you are experiencing a toothache, they would be happy to help you get some relief. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an urgent appointment, visit their website or call (216) 464-2448.