Tooth pain can vary from a minor inconvenience to an outright debilitating issue that disrupts your everyday life. When you have sudden pain or pain that seems so severe, you should be aware of when to seek the dentist.. Getting to a dentist in Ancaster sooner rather than later can prevent small issues from developing into complications that affect your overall health. But how can you gauge whether or not your tooth pain qualifies as an emergency? Being aware of the warning signs to be concerned about, and what a dental emergency is, can allow you to determine the level of the pain and take the necessary measures to prevent further issues.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
The reason why tooth pain may develop can be quite numerous: cavities, gum disease, tooth infection, or a broken tooth. Others are mild, and may be treated at home temporarily, but others need urgent treatment. Here is a quick summary:
- Tooth decay or cavities — Small holes in your teeth caused by the deposits of plaque.
- Gum infections- Red and swollen gums that are, at times, associated with tooth pain.
- Chipped or cracked teeth- Often caused by an accident or something hard to bite.
- Dental abscess- A poor infection of the root of the tooth or the tooth and the gums.
Knowing the origin can help you decide if you need emergency care.
Signs Your Tooth Pain Is a Dental Emergency
Not all toothaches warrant immediate attention, but certain signs point to a true dental emergency. Here are a few things to look for:
- Severe or sudden pain – If you are asking yourself, “is sudden tooth pain an emergency?”, it is usually yes, especially if the pain is sharp and unrelenting.
- Swelling of the face or jaw – Swelling can signal an infection that can spread if not promptly treated.
- Fever or general malaise – An infected tooth can cause systemic symptoms, which can require urgent care.
- Bleeding after trauma –If your tooth was knocked out or chipped after trauma, bleeding that does not cease is significantly concerning.
- Unable to chew or open your mouth – This indicates there may be severe or significant injury to the tooth or jaw.
If any of these symptoms are present, contacting emergency dentistry in Ancaster is crucial.
How to Know If Chipped Tooth Pain Is Urgent
A chipped tooth won’t always be painful, but you can end up with something much worse than you think. Here is how to determine if your chipped tooth needs to be seen urgently by a dentist:
- Severe pain when biting or eating – This is a sign the inner layers of the tooth have been damaged.
- Noticeable cracks or breaks – If a big part of the tooth is broken, the tooth needs to be assessed urgently.
- Sensitivity to heat or cold – Pain during consumption of hot or cold food means there is likely to be some nerve involvement.
- Signs of swelling or infection – If redness, pus, or tenderness occurs around the tooth, an infection is present.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait and make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible.
When to Seek a Dentist Near You
In some cases, symptoms of tooth pain could be treated with home remedies temporarily; but persistent or worsening pain is never a good sign; if you see any of the warning signs, contact the dentist in your area or dentist near you immediately. Usually, the sooner you have the tooth treated, the more likely you can save the tooth and keep the tooth from infection, and ultimately more advanced problems down the road.
Conclusion
Toothache must never be taken light-heartedly. If you are wondering if toothache and tooth pain signs means dental emergency, knowing the signs can make a difference in your oral health. Golf Links Dental offers restorative dental care and will provide you with safe emergency dentistry in Ancaster for urgent oral health problems. If you’ve been experiencing sudden tooth pain, swelling or trauma to your mouth, do not hesitate to reach us here at our clinic – your teeth deserve the best- care, and so do you.
