Which Types of Toothaches Are Dental Emergencies?

Are you wondering how to treat that pain in your smile? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know how to soothe a toothache since so many different factors may be causing it. Some types of tooth pain can easily be remedied at home with better oral hygiene or pain relievers. However, other types of oral discomfort indicate a serious issue that needs to be treated right away. Read on to find out which types of toothaches can wait until your next dental appointment and which ones need urgent care from your Far North Dallas dentist.

Non-Urgent Dental Pain

Every type of toothache should be looked at your dentist in a timely manner. However, certain toothaches can wait to be treated for a few days or until your next appointment, including ones that feel like:

• Flashes of tooth sensitivity: Your teeth may feel uncomfortably sensitive for a few seconds after being exposed to hot or cold temperatures if you have a highly acidic diet or chew on hard objects.
• Sudden, quick jabs of pain: Cavities, broken fillings, or a lightly cracked tooth may cause sudden jabs of pain that last for a few moments.
• Constant, dull ache: Grinding your teeth in your sleep, also known as bruxism, typically causes constant headaches, jaw soreness, or an ache in the teeth and gums.
• Discomfort in the back of your mouth: This uncommon type of toothache could indicate that a developing wisdom tooth is impacted within your jaw or pressing against nearby teeth.

Signs of a Dental Emergency

On the other hand, some types of toothaches are the result of a serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed right away. Call your dentist immediately if your tooth pain is accompanied by symptoms like:

• Gums that are inflamed or bleeding: These are common symptoms of a dangerous infection known as gum disease. If left untreated, the bacteria may spread and cause permanent jawbone damage, tooth loss, and an increased risk of systemic health conditions.
• Teeth that are loose or painful to chew with: Damage, a dental abscess, or harmful bacteria can destroy the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, causing them to become loose or painful to use. If the tooth isn’t stabilized right away, it may fall out.
• Signs of infection like fever, fatigue, or swelling: A serious, potentially life-threatening oral infection may cause these reactions. Seek immediate care from your dentist in order to contain and eliminate the bacteria. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to your local ER instead.

Thankfully, the majority of toothaches do not require emergency care and can be treated with a few simple remedies. However, any discomfort in your mouth should be looked at by your dentist right away to prevent further discomfort and help you get back to enjoying your happy, healthy smile.

About the Practice

If you or a loved one is experiencing emergency dental pain, skip the ER and visit our highly trained team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry in Far North Dallas, TX. With late and Saturday hours, we always do our absolute best to treat your dental emergency within hours of you contacting our team. We are proud to showcase the talents of our highly trained general dentists and Board-Certified specialists in pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. With their combined expertise, our dentist’s can help you overcome any oral health issue quickly and comfortably. If you need urgent dental care, contact them via their website or at (972) 490-1600.