When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
A toothache may be a dental emergency when the pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by swelling or connected to an injury or possible infection. Sudden or worsening tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist so the cause can be identified and treated.
At Des Moines River Dental Care, we provide emergency dentistry for patients dealing with sudden tooth pain and other urgent dental concerns in Carlisle and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling around a tooth, gum, jaw or face
- Tooth pain accompanied by fever
- A cracked, broken or knocked-out tooth
- Pain that suddenly becomes worse
Signs Your Toothache Needs Urgent Dental Care
Tooth pain can have many causes and the level of discomfort does not always reveal what is happening inside the tooth. The American Dental Association recommends having a toothache evaluated by a dentist to determine the cause. Pain with swelling, fever or other signs of infection deserves prompt attention.
- Severe pain that interferes with eating, sleeping or normal activities
- Persistent pain that is not improving
- Swelling of the gums, jaw or face
- Fever along with tooth or gum pain
- A bad taste in the mouth or other possible signs of an abscess
- Pain following a broken, cracked or injured tooth
What Can Cause a Severe Toothache?
A toothache is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Tooth decay, a damaged tooth, gum problems, an abscess or inflammation inside the tooth can all cause dental pain. Determining the exact cause generally requires an examination by a dentist.
If the tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, treatment may include a root canal. Other causes of tooth pain may require a filling, crown or another treatment depending on what the dental examination finds.
What Should You Do for a Toothache While Waiting for a Dentist?
Temporary steps may help you stay more comfortable until you can be examined, but they do not replace dental treatment. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing with warm water and gently flossing to remove food that may be trapped between the teeth.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Floss carefully to remove food caught between teeth
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums
- Pay attention to new swelling, fever or worsening pain
- Contact your dentist if pain persists or you have signs of an urgent dental problem
Severe tooth pain, visible facial swelling, a severely broken front tooth or a completely knocked-out tooth should receive prompt attention.
Des Moines River Dental Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Is severe tooth pain a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain can require urgent dental care, especially when it is persistent or accompanied by swelling, fever or signs of dental infection. Contact a dentist promptly for an evaluation.
Does tooth pain mean I have an infection?
Not necessarily. Tooth pain can have several causes, including tooth decay, cracks, gum problems or an abscess. Swelling, fever, redness or a bad taste in the mouth can occur with a dental abscess and should be evaluated by a dentist.
Should I wait for a toothache to go away on its own?
Persistent tooth pain should be evaluated rather than ignored. A dentist can determine why the tooth hurts and whether treatment is needed before the problem becomes more difficult to manage.
Can a toothache mean I need a root canal?
Sometimes. A root canal may be recommended when the tissue inside a tooth is inflamed or infected, but tooth pain has many possible causes. A dental examination is needed to determine the appropriate treatment.
Where can I get help for an emergency toothache in Carlisle, Iowa?
Des Moines River Dental Care provides emergency and same-day dental care in Carlisle, Iowa. If you have a dental emergency, call our office at (515) 989-3180 for assistance.
