Is Tooth Pain a Sign of a Dental Emergency?
You’re relaxing at home when you suddenly feel significant pain or discomfort in one of your teeth. Do you need to call the dentist immediately? Or can you wait for the pain to subside? Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether tooth pain is genuinely urgent, but if it is, you can’t wait too long to call your emergency dentist for help. So, here’s what you need to know to decide when your tooth pain or toothache is a dental emergency.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
First, you must realize that there’s not just one possible cause of tooth pain. It could be the result of any number of oral health problems, including:
- Physical trauma, such as a blow to the face
- Arthritis of the jaw
- Untreated infection in a specific tooth
- Repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth
- An untreated cavity
- Sinus infection
- Impacted wisdom teeth
All these issues require professional care. Even if you don’t think you need treatment right away, call our Fitchburg dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell to schedule an dental exam for proper diagnosis.
When Is Tooth Pain An Emergency?
A toothache is an emergency if it lasts more than one or two days or if the pain worsens. These symptoms usually mean you have an advanced cavity or tooth infection, and such problems will only worsen if left alone for too long. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you are to be able to save the tooth in question.
You should consider tooth pain an emergency if it’s linked to any visible dental damage, such as a cracked tooth. Broken enamel can’t heal independently, leaving the tooth vulnerable to infection. Hence, it needs to be repaired as quickly as possible.
What To Do If You Have Tooth Pain
Your first step should always be to call our Fitchburg emergency dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell, and explain your symptoms. Our dentist will be able to help you figure out whether you need emergency dental care. We will also give you first-aid tips so that you can prevent the problem from getting any worse until you are able to see the dentist.
While you’re waiting for your emergency dental appointment, you can control tooth pain at home by:
- Holding a cold pack over the pain.
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water regularly.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce your discomfort.
Contact Our Emergency Dentist Today!
Call our emergency dentist in Fitchburg at 978-252-2049 if you are experiencing tooth pain and feel it may be a dental emergency. It is always better to be safe when it comes to your oral health, so don’t hesitate to call our dental team right away! With over 30 years of experience, we have treated many dental emergencies for patients from Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Gardner, MA, and many surrounding areas.
