Experiencing tooth pain? Don’t wait—schedule an emergency dental visit as soon as possible.
Severe tooth pain can be a sign of a bigger issue and should not be taken lightly. Putting off seeking medical attention can do more harm than good, as issues may worsen, leading to expensive and difficult-to-reverse treatments. Seeing an emergency dentist is the best way to stop extreme tooth pain before it becomes a full dental crisis. Taking action quickly helps with earlier diagnoses, which leads to successful treatment plans and could even save you money in the long run.
In this article, we will look at common causes of extreme tooth pain and the benefits of visiting an emergency dentist.
Causes of Extreme Tooth Pain
Extreme tooth pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from tooth infection or decay to injuries or impacted wisdom teeth. Cavities or untreated dental problems may also lead to extreme pain. One of the most common causes of extreme tooth pain is infected pulp inside the tooth, which can be a result of dental issues such as tooth decay or bacterial infections.
Tooth Decay or Cavities
When a cavity forms, it can spread and reach the tooth roots and the dental pulp (the inner part of the tooth where the nerve and blood vessels are located). An infected tooth can cause sharp pain and tooth sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. As the decay progresses, it can lead to an abscessed tooth, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Tooth Trauma
When a tooth is subjected to trauma, such as a blow to the face or a fall, it can result in a crack or break in the tooth, which can expose the nerve endings and cause pain. In some cases, the tooth fracture can also cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth, leading to an infection, which can cause even more problems.
If you experience painful tooth trauma, it’s important to call your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose the extent of the damage and receive appropriate treatment. The dentist may recommend a filling, crown, root canal, or other procedure to repair the tooth and relieve the pain. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. As the disease progresses, it can cause the gum tissue to separate from the tooth and form pockets, which can become infected. The infection can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected area, which can be severe and sometimes debilitating.
In some cases, the gum infection can also spread to the bone and supporting structures of the tooth, leading to tooth loss or other complications. The pain from gum disease can be felt in the affected tooth or teeth, as well as in the surrounding gum tissue and jaw.
If you have gum disease or periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend procedures such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or gum surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a condition in which a tooth becomes infected and a pocket of pus forms. An abscess can occur when bacteria invade the tooth, either through a cavity or a crack in the tooth, and cause an infection. An abscessed tooth is a serious condition and needs to be treated immediately in order to avoid additional complications, such as spreading the infection to other parts of the body or losing the affected tooth.
Treatment for an abscessed tooth typically involves draining the abscess and removing the infected material. The dentist may also perform a root canal or extract the affected tooth, depending on the extent of the infection.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to fully emerge, they can become impacted, which means they’re stuck and can’t come through the gum tissue properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause intense pain and facial swelling.
In some cases, wisdom teeth can also cause pain by shifting the position of the other teeth and causing crowding or misalignment. This can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums, making the pain worse.
What to Do About Extreme Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing extreme tooth pain, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact your dentist. Call our office and explain your symptoms. We will do our best to schedule a same-day appointment for you to be seen promptly.
- Manage the pain. In the meantime, you can try over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for temporary relief. You can also apply a cold compress to the affected area to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Keep the area clean. Rinse your mouth with warm water to help clean the affected area and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid foods that trigger the pain. While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, avoid eating or drinking anything that triggers the pain, such as hot or cold foods and drinks or sweet, sour, or acidic substances.
At your appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to diagnose the cause of your dental pain. They will then recommend appropriate treatment to relieve the pain and prevent further complications.
It’s important to remember that extreme tooth pain is usually a sign of a serious dental problem, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent further damage and relieve the pain.
Visit Adina Family Dental Care for Emergency Dental Treatment
At Adina Family Dental Care, we provide comprehensive, high-quality care and ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment available. If you’re experiencing toothache pain, give us a call right away. We are ready to help, offering rapid response time and same-day appointments. From simple extractions to advanced treatments such as root canals and crowns, Adina Family Dental Care can help relieve your tooth discomfort and get your smile back in shape quickly.