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Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

March 6, 2023

Tooth discomfort typically indicates that the gums or teeth are not healthy. If your toothache is severe and lasts more than a few days, you may have an infected tooth or something worse. This requires dental emergency in San Antonio because patients who do not get treatment right away risk irreversible harm.  

Contact the staff at your local emergency dentist if you're having tooth pain. Through their extensive emergency services, they can identify the source of your distress. To learn more about this, here's everything you need to know about toothaches.

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Emergency Dentistry and Toothache  

Are Toothaches a Serious Condition?  

A common question from patients is, "Is a toothache an emergency?" The response is based on several variables. Patients with severe bleeding or a knocked-out tooth require immediate care and an emergency department visit. When a tooth is lost, it should be maintained moist until it can be replaced.  

There are several types of dental discomfort, from dull aches to acute agony. Additionally, temperature and tactile sensitivity can be a part of the pain. Patients must be aware that they should never have to deal with dental pain regularly. You need an emergency dentist if your discomfort does not go away with time or over-the-counter medications.  

The Primary Sources of Toothaches  

The following are a few typical reasons why people get toothaches. Serious cavities eat away at the tough enamel and dentin layers surrounding your teeth. As they are sufficiently deep, they can hurt when you chew and eat, especially when you eat really sweet foods.  

Infected Tooth  

If a cavity is left untreated, your tooth will become infected. You will experience severe pain and suffering when the nerves inside your tooth begin to die. This is sometimes accompanied by tooth sensitivity and swelling of the gums close to the infected area.  

Oral Trauma  

The pain in your jaw and gums may resemble a toothache if you take a heavy hit in a contact sport, slip and fall, or experience any other trauma that causes a dental injury. Additionally, one or more of your teeth likely have chips or cracks.  

Teeth Grinding (bruxism)  

In some circumstances, severe and persistent tooth grinding can stress the ligaments and roots of your teeth, which may result in dental pain. To avoid future discomfort and dental damage, you should visit a dentist as soon as you suspect you have ground your teeth.  

Your toothache may require a root canal, filling, or even a nightguard to stop teeth grinding, depending on what is causing it.  

What Is and Isn't a Dental Emergency  

It depends on your condition whether you can wait a few days for an appointment for dental issues. Even while a cracked or chipped tooth isn't always a dental emergency, it may be if the fracture is extremely painful. A toothache can also wait if the pain is bearable, and you do not exhibit any infection-related signs.  

Avoiding Dental Emergencies  

Many dental emergencies could be avoided by making appointments with a dentist yearly or biannually. Your dentist will work hard to keep your teeth strong and free of decay and cavities.  

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Dental emergency San Antonio

Do You Have a Dental Emergency in San Antonio?  

At La Cantera Dental, our team can provide you with emergency dental care when you need it. Give us a call right away to get started on your treatment!

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