Is Your Toothache an Emergency? Find Out When to Call the Dentist

Any toothache can feel like it’s an emergency but when is it really? Any pain in the tooth can be serious but if it happens to you beyond the hours of your local dentist, then you may not know what to do. Should you wait? Or should you request emergency dental care? Read on to get a better idea of whether or not your toothache is an emergency. Then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a local dentist.

If the tooth pain was caused by an injury then it is likely an emergency

There are many reasons that a tooth can begin to hurt. If that reason for you is the fact that you were injured, then it is likely an emergency. This type of toothache can be the result of root damage and if it is not treated quickly, it can lead to tooth death – which can result in the tooth being pulled. In some situations, if you get to the dentist quickly this can be prevented.

Unbearable and unresponsive pain is an emergency

Some toothaches hurt badly but the pain is tolerable. In some cases, an over the counter pain reliever will help significantly reduce the pain. If that is the case for you, then you can likely safely wait to see your dentist during regular hours. However, if the pain is intense that an over the counter pain reliever does not help at all, or if it is so bad that you cannot think straight, then it is time to contact an emergency dentist.

If the tooth has already been treated then you could have a serious issue

If you have an old dental filling or other type of dental work that is no longer working as needed, then it could be causing the toothache. These situations typically involve a tooth that was already week being expose to the elements. For example, it may be that a tooth is hit by a hot or cold food or drink, which can cause pain.

If the dental work has failed and is causing pain, then your tooth can be much more susceptible to being cracked or chipped. If you have a dental crown, implant, or other dental work and it has started hurting out of nowhere, then this is an emergency situation that can quickly lead to more serious dental issues. Contact a dentist right away.

We are here to help with all your dental needs

Whether you are in need of having your wisdom teeth removed, you have advanced gum disease, or you have a chip on the tooth, if you are dealing with tooth pain then you should always contact your dentist for a checkup. You can reach California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to learn more.