When trying to enjoy your morning iced coffee, you take a sip only to cringe and reach for your cheek. A sharp pain radiates through your tooth, making you debate whether you want to attempt another sip. Tooth discomfort of any kind can be frustrating and worrisome, especially if you don’t know the cause, but is tooth pain a dental emergency? The only way to find out is to hear from a local dentist who can explain when you should seek professional help for this type of situation.
What Can Cause Tooth Pain?
If there was only one thing that could cause tooth pain, it would be much easier and quicker for dentists to provide treatment and help patients be on their way. Unfortunately, there are far too many things that can happen that result in injury and tooth discomfort.
Some of the most common reasons you might develop tooth pain include:
- A cavity
- Gum disease
- A cracked or damaged tooth
- An infection or abscess
- An impacted tooth (underneath the gumline)
- Increased sensitivity
Is Tooth Pain Worthy of an Emergency Dental Visit?
In short, yes, tooth pain of any kind should have you scheduling an appointment with your emergency dentist. While the problem may be something stuck between your teeth, which you can easily remove with warm water and dental floss, there’s the potential that the discomfort is due to something more serious.
Pain deep within the tooth’s layers is often the result of an infection. When decay or damage reaches this area, it can impact the nerves that induce pain.
Allowing this to go on without timely treatment will likely result in more serious symptoms and the need for complex and extensive restorative care. Whether it is a dental crown or root canal that you need, you’ll be better off pursuing these options as opposed to having your tooth removed and inquiring about replacement options.
How Can a Dentist Help?
You may be concerned that once you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll tell you that it’s nothing serious and your visit was unnecessary, but that will not happen. Instead, your dentist will be happy that you reached out.
It’s always better to seek help if you are unsure of the severity. What you think is minor might be something incredibly serious and harmful to your overall health. Once your dentist has a chance to review your smile, they’ll discuss potential treatment options that will get you out of pain and put your smile back on track.
Don’t discount the pain you experience. Seek help from a trusted dentist who has the years and experience to help those who no longer wish to battle the discomfort that can come with an infection or facial trauma.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington opened Cowlitz River Dental in 2002. Since then, he and his team continue to provide patients living in Castle Rock with healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smiles. Offering emergency dental treatments to those suffering from various dental injuries, he can address infections, toothaches, dental damage, and even soft tissue injuries in-house. If you are unsure if your situation is worthy of a dental visit, check out our website or call (360) 703-9092 to find out more.