Is My Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

As the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel has the job of protecting teeth. Even so, teeth are susceptible to damage and infection, with symptoms that include sensitivity, discoloration, decay, and toothaches. 

With more than 90% of adults having at least one cavity by age 20, getting checked out for a toothache is always a good idea. But when is tooth pain an emergency, and how is it treated? 

If you struggle with severe tooth pain or other dental problems, Dr. Gabrielle Bekov and her experienced staff at City Dental Studio in Cooper City, Florida, can help.

Reasons for having a toothache

Toothache is the general term for pain on, around, or in your tooth, often accompanied by signs like gum swelling, sensitivity to heat or cold, a persistent dull ache, bad taste, and bad breath. 

Conditions that can lead to toothaches include gum disease (periodontitis), tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth, abscessed teeth, and grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism). 

How long a toothache lasts depends on the cause and severity. In the case of mild toothaches, saltwater rinses and ice packs can help reduce pain. Hydrogen peroxide rinses can also help, but dilute with water and never swallow the solution.

When toothaches are considered emergencies

A toothache should be looked at by a dentist regardless, but severe pain and other symptoms like swelling and pain in your gums and jaw indicate you should get help as soon as possible. 

Severe pain resulting from dislodged, cracked, or chipped teeth should also get emergency help before it worsens, especially if there’s bleeding or a tooth is knocked out.

Additionally, damage to dental work (crowns, bridges, veneers, and fillings) needs help to manage the pain and repair the restoration work.

Use over-the-counter medications to manage pain until a professional can see you.

Methods of treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of your toothache, but the priority is relieving your pain and addressing the underlying issue. Treatments include:

Root canal

If one or more teeth are severely infected or damaged and the pain is excruciating, a root canal removes the nerves in the tooth to relieve the pain and clear away the infection.

Crowns

This form of dental restoration can cover a severely damaged or infected tooth to protect the inside of the tooth and gums.

Fillings

A filling can protect a tooth that isn’t strong enough after damaged or infected material is removed.

Dental bonding

This material can help restore cracked and chipped teeth.

Extractions

Removing a tooth beyond repair is the best way to keep it from spreading infection to other teeth.

If your toothache pain doesn’t respond to home care or the pain is severe, Dr. Bekov and her team at City Dental Studio can help. Request an appointment by phone or online today.