Tooth pain calls a lot of attention to itself. It can make it difficult for you to eat, and it might be so distracting that you find it impossible to enjoy your daily activities. Still, you might wonder if you should push through it or if you should seek emergency dental care. The answer really depends on a few factors! This blog post explains when tooth pain is considered a true dental emergency.
Non-Urgent Tooth Pain
Typically, minor tooth pain is non-urgent. It might be a dull ache in your mouth or an infrequent twinge of sensitivity. These symptoms might be caused by:
- Small cavities
- Worn-down tooth enamel
- Sinus inflammation
- Something stuck between your teeth
If you have a sinus infection, tooth pain in your upper dental arch is likely to go away as your body recovers. Similarly, something stuck between your teeth may only cause irritation until it is removed. You might not need to visit your dentist.
Conversely, if you are unsure of what is causing the pain, or you know that you have some damage to your teeth, you should call your dentist and ask for their opinion on your symptoms. Try to seek dental care as soon as your schedule allows for it. If you delay too long, the problem could worsen to the point where it becomes an urgent emergency!
Urgent Tooth Pain
Severe and/or throbbing tooth pain is an urgent dental emergency! It could point to a severe infection, or it may be the result of a broken or cracked tooth. These problems should receive treatment right away, so do not hesitate to call your dentist and request a same-day appointment. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will require a tooth extraction or that an infection will invade the rest of your body and cause systemic illness.
Coping with Tooth Pain
Whether your emergency dentist will be able to see you in a few hours or a few days, there may be steps you can take to reduce your pain in the meantime:
- Avoid chewing with the painful tooth, and try to eat a soft diet.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications (do not place them directly on your aching tooth).
- Apply a cold compress.
- Place some clove oil on a cotton swab and apply it to your tooth.
- Keep your head elevated when you lie down.
Tooth pain can be a dental emergency! If you are ever in doubt as to whether you should call your dentist, it is best to err on the side of caution.
Meet the Practice
At All Dental in Westborough, our team has great compassion for people in pain. That is why we are often able to accept same-day emergency appointments. We also have convenient weekend and evening hours. If you are struggling with tooth pain, do not hesitate to call us at 508-217-7265.