Dealing with tooth pain and unsure if it’s an emergency? A toothache can disrupt your daily activities, from work and school to sleep and family time. Recognizing when tooth pain signals a need for immediate dental attention is crucial. Keep reading if you want to learn about the different types of tooth pain and to discover which kinds of healthcare professionals can best address your concerns.
3 Types of Non-Urgent Tooth Pain
It’s important to see your dentist as soon as you experience any tooth pain to prevent it from worsening. However, not all toothaches require immediate attention. The following types of tooth pain are generally not considered urgent:
- Constant, dull ache – General pain in the mouth can stem from several issues, such as teeth grinding or gum infections. Let’s explore these potential causes in more detail.
- Flashes of tooth sensitivity –If you feel brief tooth sensitivity after eating hot or cold foods, it might be due to a broken filling, cavity, or a small crack in your tooth. It’s important to see a dentist quickly to avoid potential infections.
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth – If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, you might feel pain in the back of your mouth. This could be due to wisdom teeth that are impacted or growing incorrectly. In these cases, removing the tooth is usually necessary.
3 Types of Urgent Toothaches
Although the toothaches mentioned earlier usually don’t need emergency care, you should see your dentist right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Intense, long-lasting pain –If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain that lasts for more than a day or disrupts your sleep, it might be a sign of an infection. It’s important to get prompt dental care in these situations.
- Darkening of the tooth –If you notice a tooth that is dark or discolored along with pain, it could suggest nerve damage or an injury to the tooth. This condition needs prompt attention, so it’s best to see a dentist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
- Sharp pain when biting down –If you feel sharp, intense pain when biting or chewing, it might be a sign of an infection around the roots of your tooth. It’s important to seek prompt treatment to avoid the risk of losing the tooth.
Toothaches can result from minor cavities or more serious problems. It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as you notice tooth pain. Early communication allows them to address the issue quickly and restore your oral health effectively.
About the Practice
Finding the right dentist can be challenging, but Dr. Philip A. Batson, Dr. Elizabeth Abe, and the skilled team at Columbia Healthy Smiles are here to assist you. They offer a range of top-notch dental services to keep your smile in great shape. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, their team can perform a thorough examination to pinpoint the issue and provide prompt treatment. This approach ensures your smile is restored to its best condition. For appointments or more details about their emergency care, call Columbia Healthy Smiles at (573) 875-7071 or visit their website.