Nobody deserves to deal with tooth pain, especially persistent pain. Knowing when to seek professional help can help you avoid expensive and lengthy treatments. A dentist near you can examine your smile and recommend the best solution based on the cause of your discomfort. If you have questions or worries, be sure to let your dentist know so they can address them as well.
Why Tooth Pain Occurs
Tooth pain can stem from various issues, including:
- Cavities. Tooth decay can create holes in your teeth, leading to pain.
- Gum Disease. When your gums get infected or swollen, they can hurt and feel uncomfortable.
- Tooth Sensitivity. Some people experience pain when consuming hot or cold foods.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth. Physical damage to teeth can result in sharp pain.
- Abscess. A bacterial infection at the root of a tooth can lead to severe pain and swelling.
When to See a Dentist Right Away
A general dentist near you will be able to accurately pinpoint the reason for your tooth pain. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, your hygiene habits, and carefully inspect your oral cavity. X-rays may be necessary as well, as these images help your team assess how structures below the surface are doing.
If you’re dealing with any of the following problems, it’s time to speak with a professional.
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Severe Pain
If you have a sudden toothache that doesn’t go away, it might be a sign of a serious problem, like an abscess or a deep cavity. This kind of severe pain often won’t subside on its own and needs professional evaluation.
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Swelling or Fever
Swelling in the face or jaw or experiencing a fever alongside tooth pain can be signs of a dental abscess or infection that might spread if not treated promptly.
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Injury to the Tooth
If you’ve had an accident that resulted in a tooth being knocked out, cracked, or damaged, seek dental care immediately. Quick action can save the tooth or prevent further damage.
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Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
Pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing can be a sign of a severe infection or other serious issues requiring urgent dental intervention.
When dealing with tooth pain, knowing when to see a dentist can be challenging. If your tooth hurts, visiting a general dentistry near you can provide timely and expert care to address the issue effectively and prevent further complications.
When to Schedule a Routine Appointment
It can be hard to know when you should visit a dentist and when your body will heal on its own. If any of the following apply, a routine check-up may be more appropriate as opposed to seeking out emergency dental treatment:
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Mild or Occasional Pain
Mild pain triggered by hot or cold foods may indicate sensitivity or a minor cavity. Schedule a routine appointment to address these issues before they worsen.
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Pain from Recent Dental Work
If you have had some dental work done and are experiencing mild discomfort, this is quite normal. However, if the pain persists beyond a few days, it may be best to check with the dentist.
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Gums Bleeding or Tenderness
If you do have bleeding gums or tenderness, this could be your warning sign of having gum disease, especially with brushing and flossing. Early detection may help you treat this problem before it becomes severe. Make an appointment with a dentist to prevent further complications.
How to Manage Tooth Pain Until Your Appointment
While you are waiting for your appointment with a dentist, here’s how to stop tooth pain fast and ease your discomfort:
- Rinse with warm salt water: Rinse the affected spot with warm salt water several times daily to clean and soothe it.
- Apply an ice pack: It numbs the pain and reduces swelling. Apply it on your cheek for 15-20 minutes.
- Take some pain relievers: Over-the-counter meds such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Follow the instructions.
- Avoid triggers: Do not consume foods that are either very hot, cold, or sweet. These will irritate your tooth.
- Keep up good oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing. This may be painful so gentle cleaning will be helpful.
These simple yet effective strategies can help ease your pain until you’re able to book a proper checkup with a general dentist near you.
Why You Should Go to the Dentist Immediately
Visiting a dentist promptly, regardless of what type of issues you’re looking to address, is beneficial in multiple ways, including:
- Preventing further injuries: Addressing issues promptly prevents minor problems from becoming severe.
- Saving you time and money: Early intervention is often less expensive and less time-consuming than involved treatment of ignored problems.
- Preserves the health of your mouth: Regular visits will keep your teeth and gums healthy, and any developing problems will be spotted early on.
1 Yorkville Dental is Here to Help
If your tooth aches, the urgency of seeing a dentist depends on the pain’s severity and any additional symptoms. For severe pain, swelling, or injury, immediate care is essential. For minor issues, a routine appointment can prevent complications.
Our skilled team of dentist in Yorkville is here to provide compassionate and timely care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the relief and treatment you need to get back to smiling comfortably.