If you’re like most, you don’t worry about every ache in your body. Having twinges of pain from time to time is a normal part of life; it’s no big deal. Still, that uncertainty can raise a question: Is tooth pain a dental emergency? Some discomfort can send you to the ER, so you may wonder if a toothache could (or should) send you to an emergency dentist. Well, wonder no more; you’ll find the truth in this helpful summary.
It’s a Matter of Cause(s)
Like any ache, tooth pain is only an emergency in some instances. Whether it’s urgent or not depends on the issue’s underlying cause.
For example, toothaches from minor problems don’t tend to be serious. A tooth sore from a treatment is usually healthy; its discomfort should fade quickly. At the same time, teeth that feel slightly sensitive to hot or cold foods aren’t urgent. You have the time to get them assessed at your next checkup.
In contrast, a toothache from a severe issue needs immediate care. Examples of such conditions include:
- An Advanced Tooth Infection
- Severe Tooth Decay
- A Facial Injury or Accident
- Chipped or Broken Teeth
What Could Happen If You Skip Treatment?
When your tooth’s pain stems from a serious cause, you shouldn’t neglect treatment. Doing so just puts you and your smile in more danger.
Remember, severe oral problems don’t go away on their own. They tend to get worse the longer they go unchecked and untreated. For instance, not fixing your infected tooth would let its infection spread to other body parts. You’d then be at a very high risk of sepsis – a life-threatening condition.
With all that said, don’t hesitate to treat your toothache. Go and call a qualified dentist and boo an emergency visit.
How Would an Emergency Dentist Help?
Thanks to their training and skill, an emergency dentist can treat the cause of your toothache. You’d then be free of your pain and the complications it could cause.
Expert dentists have many ways to treat a patient’s tooth pain. Depending on the ache’s source, they may suggest one (or more) of the following services:
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Fillings
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extraction
- TMD Therapy
To learn if your tooth pain is a dental emergency, talk to your local dentist. They’ll gladly help you through the dilemma and ensure your smile is safe!
About the Practice
Lake Boone Dentistry is based in Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Ricke, Sowter, and Douglas, our practice aims to serve your whole family’s oral care needs. That’s why we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, with services ranging from dental checkups to dental implants. Our team is even ready and prepared to handle your dental emergencies! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (919)-781-8610.