Tooth pain can range in severity from negligible to agonizing, and it may be a dental emergency depending on what caused the problem and how much it interferes with your daily life. While some cases of dental pain can be addressed with improved oral hygiene or another lifestyle adjustment, other cases may require patients to seek the attention of a dental professional for relief. Here’s a brief guide to how to tell if your tooth pain is a dental emergency.
Is My Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Tooth pain can arise from many causes and vary dramatically in severity. Here are a few common forms it can take as well as a few tips for how to tell if you need to see an emergency dentist.
- General discomfort: If you are experiencing a strange tightness or pressure at some point in your smile, it may be caused by debris stuck between the teeth or a similarly minor issue. First, thoroughly brush and floss to eliminate plaque and food residue and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed if necessary. If the problem persists after a few days, contact your dentist.
- Sensitivity: Your teeth may be sensitive to pressure or temperature changes due to issues like worn enamel, recent dental trauma, or teeth grinding. If the discomfort resulting from your sensitivity lasts for longer than thirty seconds at a time or if it persists after several days, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Throbbing agony: If you experience a throbbing, miserable toothache, it may be due to bacteria severely damaging your enamel or infecting the pulp at the center of your tooth. If you experience a persistent throbbing toothache, seek immediate emergency help from your dentist to prevent further infection and tooth loss.
How Can My Dentist Help?
The best way for your dentist to address dental pain depends on what is causing it. For example, a dentist may simply need to remove a stubborn object from between the teeth and advise the patient about better chewing and flossing habits. In cases of extremely sensitive teeth, your dentist may administer a fluoride treatment to reinforce your enamel or recommend wearing a customized nightguard to prevent teeth grinding.
If you are suffering from a toothache resulting from dental infection, your dentist may determine an appropriate treatment to restore the health and structure of the tooth or recommend extraction and replacement. In any case, you can rest assured that your dentist will be able to determine the best way to preserve the health of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Parét earned her dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2013 and completed her residency at the VA Medical Center in Charleston. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Maine Dental Association. Her office in South Portland offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial (207) 200-4106. For more information, contact the staff online.