Urgent Inquiry: Is a Toothache an Emergency?

When it comes to your teeth, it can be hard to know what constitutes a dental emergency. For example, if you have a toothache that’s bothering you and isn’t going away then you might wonder whether you should be seen right away or if it can wait. Dental problems typically don’t go away on their own and no pain is considered normal, so it’s best to call your dentist sooner rather than later. Keep reading for 3 reasons why this happens and why a same-day appointment could be warranted!

Cause #1: Tooth Decay

Bacteria work in tandem with acids from the foods you eat to wear away at your enamel which causes cavities. This can penetrate the tender nerves in the root of your tooth and cause mild to severe discomfort. It only gets worse over time and can spread to neighboring teeth as well as your jawbone, so you don’t want to leave it unaddressed. In many cases, your dentist can fix it with a simple filling but if the decay is too extensive then you might need a root canal to preserve and protect your pearly white from future harm.

Cause#2: Chips or Breaks

If you have a sore tooth its structure may have been compromised. Even if you don’t see any obvious issues, you could have a hairline fracture that has allowed germs to get in. You should call your dentist for an appointment immediately because chips and cracks leave your tooth vulnerable to additional injury. Taking a bite of something overly hard or sticky could split it further, which would require more complex and costly solutions. If you contact your provider right away instead, they can mend the damage with dental bonding or another appropriate treatment before that can happen.

Cause #3: Physical Trauma

If you participate in contact sports or martial arts and don’t wear a mouthguard, then one blow to your face could be all that it takes to hurt your smile. You might break, loosen, or lose a tooth altogether. In most cases, it’s best to call your dentist rather than head to an emergency room because they have the right experience and instruments onsite to handle oral problems. However, if you’re bleeding profusely or have cuts or lacerations to your face or the inside of your mouth, or your life is in imminent danger, then you need to get to an urgent care center as soon as possible.

Several issues could have caused your toothache and none of them resolve themselves. Calling your dentist right away allows them to save your smile before it gets worse!

About the Practice

At Village Dental, people of all ages benefit from two experts who provide a full range of services under one roof, including emergency dentistry. They take the time to get to know you on a personal level so that they can provide fully individualized treatments to keep your grin in excellent condition. That way, you’re less likely to sustain the kind of damage that requires immediate attention. If you have an urgent situation, they offer same-day appointments, so you don’t have to wait for relief. Then, they use advanced technology to enhance your comfort and the accuracy of any treatments required. If you have a toothache, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (775) 827-1113.