We’ve all been there when sudden tooth pain strikes, leaving you wondering if it’s just a minor annoyance or something more serious. Should you wait it out or call the dentist right away? While some toothaches can be managed at home, others might signal a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. Knowing when tooth pain is a true emergency or if you can wait for a regular dental appointment can protect your oral health and save you unnecessary stress.
At Liv Endodontics, we understand how disruptive tooth pain can be, whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, sudden sensation. Our team uses advanced technology, including 3D imaging and laser treatments, to diagnose and treat dental pain efficiently. With same-day appointments available, we’re here to provide relief when you need it most—ensuring you get the proper care without unnecessary delays.
Signs Your Tooth Pain May Be an Emergency
Some tooth pain is more than just discomfort and can be a sign from your body that something serious is happening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need to seek emergency dental care:
Severe, Consistent Pain
Mild to moderate tooth pain can sometimes be managed at home, but if your pain is intense and doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, it could be a sign of an infection, abscess, or nerve issue. These problems generally won’t resolve on their own and can worsen without professional treatment.
Swelling In Your Face Or Jaw
Sudden swelling unrelated to an injury can be a red flag that often means an infection is present. If you notice your face, jaw, or gums are swollen near a painful tooth, you should call your endodontist as soon as possible, as infections can spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.
Fever
If you have a fever in addition to tooth pain, this could be a sign that your body is fighting an infection. This is likely not a dental issue you can manage alone and often requires the intervention of a professional.
An Abscesses Or Pus On The Gums
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. If left untreated, abscesses can be extremely painful and dangerous, as the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more significant health conditions.
Difficulty Breathing
If your tooth pain includes difficulty breathing or swallowing, you may have an infection affecting your airway. This is likely a serious situation that requires immediate medical care to ensure your airway does not become blocked.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out by an injury, time is of the essence. If you act quickly, you can improve your chances that an endodontist can save and reimplant the tooth. Place the tooth back in the socket or a glass of milk, if possible, while you seek emergency dental care.
When in doubt, you should always call your endodontist for guidance on your next steps and if you need an emergency appointment to treat your tooth pain.
When Can Tooth Pain Wait For a Regular Dentist Appointment?
Thankfully, not all tooth pain requires an emergency trip to the endodontist. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 2 million people in the U.S. visit hospital emergency departments annually for dental pain. However, many of these visits could be managed by a dentist or endodontist, as they often involve conditions that are not true emergencies. Here are a few cases where you may not need immediate dental care for your tooth pain:
- Mild sensitivity to hot and cold
- Dull or occasional tooth pain
- Pain that goes away with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Mild gum bleeding after brushing and flossing
- A small crack in the tooth without pain
- Mild pain that does not come with swelling, bleeding, fever, or difficulty breathing
If you are unsure whether your tooth pain is an emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and contact your endodontist. In the meantime, managing mild discomfort with warm salt water rinses, cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding hot and cold foods can ease pain until your regular dental appointment.
How Can Liv Endodontics Help Treat Your Tooth Pain?
At Liv Endodontics, we know that dealing with tooth pain can be overwhelming, whether it’s a nagging ache or a sudden, severe issue. Our advanced diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging and laser technology, allow us to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort quickly and provide the most effective treatment. We offer same-day emergency appointments, so you don’t have to suffer longer than necessary.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and unsure if it’s an emergency, we’re here to help. Our team is devoted to providing compassionate, expert care to relieve pain and protect oral health. Our team of endodontists, who are professors at NYU College of Dentistry, is devoted to providing compassionate care to relieve pain and protect oral health. Don’t wait—contact us today at (973) 737-9797 or schedule an appointment through our contact form.
