Does a Toothache Need Emergency Dentistry?

Millions of Americans suffer from tooth pain in any given year due to tooth decay, gum disease, traumatic injuries, and other causes. While a minor case of dental pain may clear up on its own (i.e., tooth and gum discomfort caused by a lodged food particle), tooth pain can be associated with more serious underlying issues that require emergency dental treatment.

As a top-rated dentist in Abilene, Texas, Amy Morris, DDS, provides comprehensive emergency dental care for patients at Morris Dental Associates, relieving symptoms and preventing further damage. Read on as Dr. Morris and our team review symptoms that indicate your toothache may need prompt dental care.

Severe oral pain

Even minor tooth pain can be a sign of a developing oral health problem that needs prompt care, but pain that’s severe or persists definitely needs immediate attention. 

Severe dental pain may be a sign of a dangerous infection that can quickly spread to other parts of your body. And, of course, you should also seek emergency care for any dental pain that interferes with sleeping, eating, work, or other activities.

Worsening dental pain

If your tooth pain is worsening, call our office right away. Worsening pain can also be a sign of a developing problem, like a deep infection or even a tumor. Delaying care means the underlying problem can become worse and your treatment may become more complicated, too.

Tooth pain that’s worse when you bite or chew

Deep decay and serious infections like abscesses cause tenderness and swelling in or around your tooth. When you apply pressure during biting or chewing, pain symptoms feel a lot worse. 

Gum bleeding or swelling

Bleeding gums are a common sign of gum disease, but typically, that type of bleeding is painless, at least in the beginning. If you have tooth pain accompanied by bleeding or swelling, that can be a sign of a developing infection, like a deep abscess, that can spread to other areas through your bloodstream. Gum bleeding and swelling may also be associated with issues like oral cancer.

Tooth pain following traumatic injury

If you develop a toothache following trauma, like a fall or sports injury, it’s important to seek emergency treatment. In this instance, delaying care could lead to loss of a tooth, a deep infection, or a chronic problem with your bite or jaw function. The same is true if you’re left with severe or worsening pain following dental or facial surgery.

Oral pain accompanied by fever

Fever is your body’s natural response to infection. If you have an infection, your body raises your temperature in an attempt to kill off “bad” germs. Tooth pain accompanied by fever can be an indication of a developing infection. Prompt dental care helps prevent complications and relieves painful symptoms, too.

Tooth pain is a warning signal

No tooth pain is “normal,” and any toothache that’s accompanied by the symptoms we’ve described definitely warrants an emergency dental visit. To find out what’s causing your toothache and how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Morris Dental Associates today.