When Does a Bad Toothache Need Emergency Dental Care?

A toothache can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of a serious dental problem. While mild, temporary sensitivity may not require immediate treatment, persistent or severe tooth pain should not be ignored. Knowing when to seek emergency dental care can help you get relief and prevent the underlying problem from becoming worse.

Signs Your Toothache May Be a Dental Emergency

Tooth pain can have many causes, including tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth, an infection, gum disease, or damage to an existing filling or crown. You should consider seeking urgent dental care if your toothache is accompanied by:

• Severe or throbbing pain that does not improve
• Pain that makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or complete normal activities
• Swelling in your gums, jaw, cheek, or face
• A pimple-like bump or swelling on the gums
• Fever along with dental pain or swelling
• A bad taste or drainage in your mouth
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A broken, cracked, or damaged tooth
• Increasing pain after a recent dental procedure

These symptoms may indicate a tooth infection or another dental problem that requires prompt treatment.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

Most toothaches are best treated by a dentist because a dentist can address the source of the problem. However, some infections and injuries require immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency room if you have significant facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or symptoms of a serious spreading infection. 

Once the immediate medical concern is addressed, you may still need to see a dentist to treat the affected tooth.

What Can You Do While Waiting to See a Dentist?

Until you receive dental care, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water and keep the area around the painful tooth clean. A cold compress placed on the outside of your cheek may help with swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication may also provide temporary relief when taken according to its directions.

Don’t Wait for Tooth Pain to Get Worse

A toothache is your body’s way of telling you something may be wrong. Getting the problem evaluated early can relieve your discomfort and may help prevent the need for more extensive treatment.

If you are experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain, Urgent Dental offers emergency dental care when you need it. Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit us for prompt evaluation and treatment.