Tooth pain has a way of grabbing your attention—and for good reason! Oral pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. But does that mean every toothache calls for an emergency dental visit?
Let’s break down when tooth pain is a true dental emergency, why timely care is crucial, and what can happen if you delay treatment.
Why Tooth Pain Often Warrants an Emergency Appointment
Tooth pain is usually considered a dental emergency. Even if the discomfort seems mild at first, it can be a warning sign of a serious issue, such as:
- A deep cavity or tooth decay
- A cracked or broken tooth
- An abscess or infection
- Gum disease or injury
These conditions won’t resolve on their own. In fact, the pain can worsen over time, leading to swelling, difficulty eating, or even systemic infections that impact your overall health. That’s why it’s so important to contact your dentist as soon as possible when tooth pain strikes. Same-day care can help relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
What Happens If You Ignore Tooth Pain?
It can be tempting to wait and see if the pain goes away on its own, but ignoring tooth pain almost always leads to bigger problems. Here’s what might happen:
- The condition progresses: Decay or infection can spread deeper into the tooth or surrounding tissues, making treatment more complex and costly.
- Increased risk of tooth loss: Left untreated, the damage could eventually require extraction.
- Worsening pain and swelling: An untreated dental infection can cause significant swelling in the face or jaw and may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing—both medical emergencies.
- Impact on overall health: Oral infections can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease or sepsis.
Getting prompt care from an emergency dentist helps protect your tooth, ease your pain, and safeguard your health.
When Might Tooth Pain Not Be an Emergency?
In some cases, mild tooth sensitivity (such as from hot or cold foods) or brief discomfort from something stuck between your teeth may not require immediate attention. However, if your pain lingers, intensifies, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth (a sign of infection), don’t delay—call your dentist right away.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Tooth Pain
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. But remember—these are temporary measures. Professional treatment is essential for addressing the root cause.
Tooth pain shouldn’t be ignored. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe and see your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
About the Practice
At Premier Family Dentistry, we provide compassionate, high-quality care for patients of all ages—including prompt treatment for dental emergencies. Whether you’re dealing with tooth pain, a broken tooth, or another urgent concern, their team is ready to help.
Call us at (973) 250-6400 or request an appointment online.