Should You Schedule an Emergency Visit for a Toothache?

When you think of a dental emergency, you might immediately think of a cracked or knocked out tooth. However, not all emergencies are the same, and even if you don’t see any damage to your tooth, the presence of aching or sensitivity could mean more serious trouble than you realize. If you experience a sudden and severe toothache, or if a slightly sensitive tooth is growing increasingly more severe, then you may need to schedule an emergency dental visit to address the problem as soon as possible.

The Worrisome Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

By definition, a toothache is painful, but the reason why it’s worrisome is because the most common causes behind toothaches are often progressive. For instance, tooth decay (the most common dental health issue) can cause your tooth to hurt as a result of oral bacteria destroying your tooth structure. Gum disease might cause sensitivity as it causes your gum tissues to pull away from your teeth roots. Whatever the cause, the source behind your toothache could also be a significant threat to the health of your teeth and gums.

Why It’s a Dental Emergency

The reason a toothache is an emergency situation is because treatment should be sought immediately. The longer you wait to treat a toothache, the worse it will get, even if you take temporary relief such as an over-the-counter pain reliever. Like more obvious dental emergencies, hesitating to treat a toothache can expose your oral health to serious complications that could require more extensive treatment later on.

Find Out if Your Toothache Is an Emergency

If you experience a severe toothache, then it may indicate an emergency situation that requires immediate attention from your dentist. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.