Is My Toothache Considered a Dental Emergency?

Teeth contain our body's hardest substance (enamel) but are still prone to damage and disease. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, which protects the pulp of each tooth. When problems reach this area, there are several ways they can be damaged, leading to toothaches and other dental problems.

If you have a toothache, the treatment approach depends on the cause and severity of the problem. 

So, is there a point when a toothache becomes a dental emergency? To explore this question, let’s look at the reasons for toothaches, what situations are considered dental emergencies, and ways to reduce pain until you get help.

If you live in the Mamaroneck, New York, or Stamford, Connecticut, area and are dealing with toothaches or other tooth pain, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and our team at All Bright Dental can help you find relief.

Reasons for toothaches

There are many reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain, including the following:

• Dental caries (cavities): a very common problem caused by starches and sugars penetrating the enamel of your teeth

• Periodontal disease (gum disease): when germs, bacteria, and food particles collect in your mouth and damage the gums, leading to a range of issues, including tooth pain

• Tooth erosion: when acids attack your enamel, causing the teeth to erode

• Tooth sensitivity: when teeth become sensitive to heat, cold, or sweets

• Cracked or chipped tooth: this can happen because of tooth decay, injury, or teeth grinding

• Dental abscess: when damage to your teeth reaches the pulp, causing tooth pain, pus, throbbing, and other problems

• Mouth injury: a fall or impact injury that damages your mouth

When it becomes an emergency

These complications often require immediate treatment:

Severe infection

Severely infected teeth or gums can create toothaches and spread to other teeth if left untreated.

Severe injury

If a physical injury leads to tooth pain or dislodged teeth, you need to get help as soon as possible.

Damaged dental restoration

Damaged restorations can cause tooth pain. The issue needs to be addressed immediately. 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain

Issues with the muscles around this joint can lead to intense and persistent pain, which can cause a range of problems, including toothache.

Also, contact us when tooth problems become bad enough to affect speech or eating.

Ways to reduce pain 

Some basic steps can reduce the pain from a toothache before you get to our office. Try over-the-counter pain medications, apply a cold compress to your cheek, and rinse your mouth with saltwater. 

We have several options for managing dental emergencies, such as root canals, crowns, fillings, bridges, extractions, and dental implants. If you have a toothache accompanied by the above symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Kravets and All Bright Dental.