Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

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is a toothache a dental emergency

At Northern Dental Centre, toothaches are the most common dental complaint that our dentist near you hears from patients. Dental pain can be extremely debilitating, making it almost impossible to get on with your daily activities. It is important to seek emergency dentistry in Grand Prairie when experiencing even a minor toothache, as it can spiral out of control quickly.

What Causes Toothaches?

There are several reasons why one may be experiencing a toothache. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Cavities and tooth decay: most of the time, when individuals think of toothaches, they picture tooth decay and cavities. These can most definitely cause dental pain. The deeper and more severe the decay, the worse the pain is. If the decay has reached the sensitive center of your tooth, you will likely be experiencing severe levels of pain.
  • Tooth abscess: a dental or tooth abscess is an infection around or in your tooth. An affected tooth will form a large pocket of pus around it, which is a dental abscess. The majority of the time, this will result in pulsating pain in your mouth. Most of the time, pain from tooth abscesses often worsens at night. If you notice swelling or a pimple-like bump on your gums, seek emergency dentistry near you immediately- if left untreated, dental abscesses can cause severe and life-threatening problems.
  • Cracked or fractured tooth: teeth that are chipped, cracked, or fractured can also be a source of pain. These injuries can be caused by being hit in the face or simply biting down hard on something. If you notice a small crack or fracture, visit our dentist in Grand Prairie right away, as it can quickly worsen if not treated.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder: while this is a condition that affects the jaw joints, it can cause severe radiating pain in the teeth and gums. This condition can be diagnosed and managed with the help of a dental professional.

Other causes of toothaches include: 

  • Gum disease
  • Orthodontic treatments such as braces
  • Sinus infections
  • Improper oral hygiene techniques
  • Damaged or failed dental restorations
  • Temperature sensitivity
  • Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth

What Can I Expect When Visiting Northern Dental Centre for a Toothache?

When you visit our dentist, they will complete a comprehensive physical exam and perform X-rays if needed. They will also go over your medical history and ask you about your pain. Depending on their findings, they may offer some treatment options, including, but not limited to:

  • Dental crowns
  • Root canal therapy
  • Dental fillings
  • scaling and root planing
  • Tooth extraction
  • Prescription medications
  • Sensitivity reducing agents

Whatever the cause of your pain, our dentist will work with you to find a solution that meets your needs and alleviate your discomfort as soon as possible.

Are You in Need of Emergency Dental Services?

While toothaches are among the most common dental emergencies, there are many other dental emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth, laceration, broken jaw, or lost filling. If you are experiencing any sort of dental emergency, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you seek professional dental care, the better your chances are of a successful recovery. At Northern Dental Centre, our team of dedicated dental professionals is prepared to handle any dental emergency that you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact our clinic as soon as you are experiencing any form of dental pain. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.

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