Is Tooth Pain Always a Dental Emergency?

Tooth pain can range in severity from negligible to utterly agonizing, and not all cases of dental discomfort represent emergencies. Depending on the nature of your distress and how much it interferes with your life, your toothache may require the attention of a qualified oral health professional. Here’s a quick look at a few types of tooth pain that can be dental emergencies and how your dentist may be able to help.

Throbbing Toothache

Severe, throbbing tooth pain that does not go away after about a day is probably the result of a severe oral infection that has reached the pulp at the core of the tooth. A toothache like this will not get better on its own and must receive care from a trained dentist to prevent tooth loss and potentially dangerous secondary infections. In many cases, dentists can address severe toothaches with painless root canal treatments, but teeth that cannot be saved will have to be extracted and replaced.

Severe Sensitivity

Teeth can seem especially sensitive due to injuries, recent exposure to excessive sugar or acid, and the enamel thinning out over time due to the wear of repeated use. In many cases, nagging tooth sensitivity will go away on its own after about a day, but sensitivity that is persistent or lasts for a long time may be a sign of severe damage or infection that requires emergency dental care. Your dentist may be able to address the problem with a restorative treatment such as crowns or veneers.

Emerging Wisdom Teeth

Many people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate their wisdom teeth, and the emergence of the third set of molars can be quite painful for these individuals. If you experience constant pain around your back teeth or in your jaw, you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Many dentists offer same-day extractions so their patients can enjoy relief as soon as possible.

Don’t let unaddressed dental pain lead to serious oral health issues. Consulting with your emergency dentist may be the best way to keep your smile beautiful and functional for life.

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar earned her dental degree at the Florida College of Dentistry and continues her education with postdoctoral coursework. She is proud to offer the finest oral care services in Rockledge and enjoys helping her patients achieve and maintain gorgeous and healthy smiles. Her practice offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing severe dental pain, please dial her office at (321) 631-4334. For non-emergency inquiries, please contact her staff online.