Is Tooth Pain Always a Dental Emergency? 

You have a dull ache in your tooth. Is it a dental emergency? Most everyone experiences tooth pain at some point, so it helps to know when it requires emergency treatment. 

At Greenwich Dentistry in Greenwich, Connecticut, our expert team recognizes that dental emergencies can be stressful. We offer a calm environment to evaluate your teeth and ensure you receive proper medical treatment so you feel better. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) categorizes dental emergencies as life-threatening situations. You may need immediate treatment to stop bleeding, stem an infection, or relieve severe pain. However, some dental emergencies might be less obvious.

Take tooth pain. It’s usually an underlying symptom of problems that can become a dental emergency if left untreated. Treating it sooner rather than later can save you stress, pain, and money. 

Common dental emergencies 

It’s hard to ignore a knocked-out tooth or bleeding mouth. However, other examples of tooth pain can still fit into the category of dental emergencies. 

Infections 

You could have an infection if you have ongoing, throbbing dental pain. For example, an abscessed tooth has a pocket filled with pus caused by bacteria. 

Infection symptoms can include redness, swelling, pain, and even fever. Such symptoms require emergency dental care. Don’t let them linger; infection can lead to serious health issues such as sepsis. 

Trauma 

Cracked or broken teeth usually expose nerves to the air, which is painful. A knocked-out tooth requires speedy action to save it. Handle the tooth only by the top and rinse it with milk or water if it’s dirty. Ideally, place it back in its socket, being careful not to touch the roots. 

If you break a prosthetic tooth, you’re probably not in pain since there are no nerve endings. In such cases, you can wait until office hours to call the dentist. 

Cavities

Decaying teeth cause inflammation, which can hurt and lead to advanced periodontal disease. Cavities aren’t usually dental emergencies; if you keep up with twice-yearly dental visits, we can often catch them before they become emergencies. 

However, cavities can escalate and become a dental emergency. 

When to seek emergency dental care 

Any pain lasting more than 12 hours indicates you need emergency dental care. Even minor pain or swelling can indicate a deeper problem, such as an infection, which you want to address without delay. 

Early treatment can make a big difference in oral health. If you experience dental pain, don’t hesitate to schedule a professional evaluation. 

Our expert team at Greenwich Dentistry is here to help if you have a dental emergency. We can treat the immediate issue and make a personalized plan for your ongoing dental care. For all of your dental needs, call our Cos Cob office today.