Tooth pain can be distracting or, in some cases, downright debilitating. It can affect your ability to eat, and it may be so intense that you cannot carry out basic daily tasks. Still, you might wonder if you should tough it out or call your dentist for assistance. Is tooth pain a dental emergency? This blog post can help you determine the best course of action.
Non-Urgent Tooth Pain
In most cases, minor tooth pain does not require urgent care. It could present itself as a dull ache in your mouth or an occasional twinge of sensitivity. These symptoms might be the result of:
- Small spots of decay
- Worn-down dental enamel
- Minor gum recession
- Inflammation in your sinuses
- Something stuck between your teeth
The pain from sinus inflammation or an object stuck between your teeth will likely go away as your body recovers (and after any offending objects are removed). You might not need to visit your dentist at all.
In contrast, if you are unsure about the origin of the pain, or you know that your teeth or gums have some minor damage, you should call your dentist and ask for their opinion. Try to schedule an appointment as soon as your schedule allows. Delaying care for too long could allow the problem to worsen to the point where it becomes a true emergency.
Urgent Tooth Pain
Severe or throbbing tooth pain constitutes an urgent dental emergency! It could mean that you have a severe infection, or it may result from a badly broken or cracked tooth. Such issues should receive urgent treatment, so you should request a same-day appointment with your dentist. Waiting will only increase the chances that you will completely lose your tooth. An infection could even spread into the rest of your body and cause you to become seriously ill.
Coping with Tooth Pain
Prior to your dental appointment, there may be some things you can do to reduce your pain:
- Eat a soft diet, and do not use the painful tooth to chew.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers. (Do not place them directly on your gums or teeth.)
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and dull pain.
- Use an oral analgesic to reduce pain.
- Elevate your head when you lie down.
Tooth pain is sometimes an urgent dental emergency! If you ever wonder whether you require urgent care, call your dentist to ask for their thoughts.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, our team strives to accommodate emergency patients on a same-day basis whenever possible. We want to get you out of pain and back on track toward optimum oral health! To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 860-263-0441.