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Is My Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?
Your toothache is getting worse. It’s at the point where you’re starting to get worried. You’ve tried to ignore it, but it keeps coming back, and now you can’t pretend it’s not there.
And you wonder: Is this an emergency? Should I try to get to my dentist immediately, or will this pain eventually stop?
At New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera, we understand this dilemma. Based on our experiences with emergency dentistry, here’s some advice on how to tell if your severe toothache is a dental emergency.
Start with an assessment
You already know you’re in pain from a toothache, but do you understand what’s causing it? Common causes of pain include infection, oral trauma (such as a fall or an accident), cavities, and even teeth grinding.
Sometimes, the cause is apparent. You need immediate attention if you are bleeding excessively or your tooth gets knocked out by a trauma.
If, however, you’ve had the pain for a few hours and it’s still manageable, the toothache may not be an emergency. On the other hand, if the pain is steadily increasing no matter what you do, you likely need to call your dentist.
Check for these symptoms
In addition to your toothache, check for other symptoms you may have — this is one of the indicators you’re dealing with an emergency. The symptoms signifying an emergency may include:
- Loose teeth
- Dental abscess
- Fever
- Swollen gums or jaw
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
Call your dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms in addition to your tooth pain. A chipped or cracked tooth may not be an emergency, but it’s time to see the dentist if you also have severe pain and bleeding.
Call us
If you still have any questions about your situation after running through these frameworks, please call us for guidance. We gladly listen to your concerns and help you formulate a plan as to what to do next.
Remember, in general, that it’s better to contact us sooner rather than to wait to seek treatment for an issue. You get pain relief quickly; your treatment is more effective the sooner you start.
If you need emergency dental care, our New Smile Dental team in Pico Rivera, California, is ready to help. Call our office at 562-293-3784 day or night, and we can determine what to do next. You can also use our online scheduler in non-emergency situations to book your appointment anytime.