Many people avoid dental visits unless they’re having an immediate issue that must be addressed, like a toothache. If you’ve noticed that one of your teeth feels sensitive or is throbbing, it’s natural to wonder how worried you should be. After all, there are several potential causes, and not all of them constitute an emergency.
For instance, if you have thinning enamel from eating overly acidic foods, the treatment could be as simple as updating your diet or switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. However, some symptoms deserve immediate attention to avert a disaster. Continue reading to learn more about 3 indicators that your dental discomfort requires a same-day emergency visit!
Sign #1: Persistent Pain
It’s normal to experience some soreness if you’ve recently had a dental appointment. Whether you got a basic checkup and cleaning or had a more complex procedure like being fitted for a dental crown, it’s possible to feel sensitive after having your teeth worked on in some capacity. Typically, this type of residual tenderness fades after a few days, so there’s nothing to be concerned about.
Your aches become more worrisome when they last for a week or longer, gradually progress, or become sudden and severe. This could point to an injury or infection that will only worsen the longer it goes unaddressed, so you should contact your dentist right away.
Sign #2: Facial Swelling
If your troublesome tooth also presents with a swollen or distended mouth or cheeks, then there’s a fair chance you’ve developed an infection. If bacteria in your mouth infiltrate a decayed or damaged tooth or penetrate your gum line, it triggers an immune response in your system. Your body sends extra white blood cells to the affected area to fight the disease. This can result in a buildup of fluids that cause the surrounding tissues to swell.
To make matters worse, if you lie down to try to get some much-needed rest, your blood can pool in your head and increase the pressure on your teeth and gums, exacerbating the pain. Try to keep your head elevated above your heart to avoid this.
Sign #3: Physical Injury
Athletes and others who participate in team sports or high-contact activities are prone to sustaining physical trauma that can chip, crack, or dislodge a tooth or restoration. If you’ve been hurt, it’s imperative that you get help right away. You don’t know the full extent of the damage and don’t want to risk further injuries or infection.
You may feel tempted to head to the nearest emergency room first, but their doctors won’t have the experience and equipment necessary to swiftly and accurately diagnose your condition and provide possible solutions. That means by calling your dentist first, you can save on time and additional expenses.
If you’re unsure whether your toothache requires an immediate appointment, the best way to find out is to call your dentist so they can schedule a visit at an appropriate time.
About the Author
Dr. Erin Peters enjoys helping families enhance their lives by improving their dental health. She earned her dental degree at the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, where she was invited to join the Orthognathic Honor Society. Now, she’s a trusted member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association so you know your grin is in good hands. She combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide a full array of top-quality services to patients of all ages, including same-day emergency visits. You can request an appointment on the website or call (201) 641-9119.