Other than keeping up with your oral health routine, your teeth may not be something you think of often. Although they help you to eat and speak with ease, and even give shape to your face, it’s easy to not give them a second thought. However, as soon as a toothache appears, your pearly whites became a major priority! But when do you know it’s time to go to the dentist with tooth pain? Here’s what to know about when your toothache requires being seen by an emergency dentist and when it doesn’t.
When Is Tooth Pain Non-Urgent?
It’s always best to go visit a dentist as soon as you can if you are experiencing any discomfort in your smile. But that doesn’t mean every tooth pain requires an emergency visit. The following are a few types of toothaches that can have a regular dental visit:
- Occasional tooth sensitivity: Brief flashes of sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures can mean that there is an exposure of the inner layers of your teeth. This could be caused by a cavity, a small crack, or a broken filling. Your tooth will need to be treated so it doesn’t eventually become infected.
- Constant, dull discomfort: General aches in the mouth can be due to various issues, such as an infection in the gums or teeth grinding. A visit to your dentist will determine the root cause of your tooth pain and then treat it.
- Discomfort in the back of the mouth: A toothache at the back of your mouth may be from impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be able to determine if they will need to be extracted.
When Is Your Toothache a Dental Emergency?
There are some dental pains that will require an immediate trip to your emergency dentist. These include:
- Loose teeth: You never want to place your teeth at risk of falling out, so it’s best to visit your dentist immediately so you can save them.
- Severe, prolonged discomfort: If a toothache persists longer than a day or is intense enough to wake you up at night, it’s usually time to get emergency care.
- Sharp pain when chewing: If it hurts to bite down, it could be a sign of an infection that has developed around the roots of your teeth. If left untreated, you could suffer from tooth loss.
- Darkened teeth: If you notice discoloration in painful teeth, they may have an injury inside that’s affected the nerve.
- Numb teeth: If you can’t feel a tooth (or teeth), the nerve may be damaged or infected.
- Small bump on the gums: If a pimple-like bump forms on the gums near an uncomfortable tooth, it is typically a sign of a dental abscess and will need immediate attention by a professional.
While tooth pain doesn’t always indicate an immediate dental emergency, it’s always best to get your smile checked out. By knowing what needs attention right away and what doesn’t, you can make the best choice to get your smile back on track.
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song and his team at Bridlewood Dental are eager to help you with any dental concern or emergency. He graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, one of the top schools in the nation, and has been keeping teeth whole and healthy for over 30 years. With same-day appointments and state-of-the-art dental technology, Dr. Song can help you return to a healthy and comfortable smile! To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (972) 945-7587.