Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
A toothache can range from a mild annoyance to an unbearable condition that can ruin your day.
But when is dental pain an emergency?
In this blog, you will learn the difference between routine discomfort and a critical dental issue to help you take swift action and seek the right care.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our 24-hour emergency line at 303) 886-0699. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies at our clinics in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If you are experiencing dental pain that is accompanied by swelling, fever or difficulty breathing, proceed to your nearest emergency room. If the dental pain is manageable with pain relievers, call an emergency dentist near you to seek advice on how to proceed..
Common Causes of Severe Tooth Pain
- Abscessed tooth: A bacterial infection can cause a pus-filled pocket in the gums, leading to intense discomfort.
- Broken or chipped teeth: Sharp fragments can expose nerve endings, causing severe pain.
- Tooth decay: An untreated cavity can progress, leading to extreme pain and potential tooth loss.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum infections can cause significant gum pain and bleeding.
- Wisdom tooth pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling and persistent pain.
- Lost or loose fillings and crowns: Exposed nerves from a lost filling or broken dental crown can cause sharp pain.
Learn more about: Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Signs Your Toothache Is a Dental Emergency
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Call our 24-hour emergency line at (303) 886-0699 for guidance on how to proceed.
- Severe, persistent pain: If your tooth pain is intense and does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers, it could indicate an underlying issue requiring emergency dental care.
- Swelling in the face or jaw: This can be a sign of an abscessed tooth or severe infection, which needs prompt treatment to prevent serious health complications.
- Fever or signs of infection: If you have a high fever, tender lymph nodes, or a bad taste in your mouth, it may indicate an infection that needs urgent care.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing: This could be a sign of a severe infection affecting the airway, requiring immediate medical attention.
| Should I Go to the Emergency Room for a Toothache?If your toothache is causing extreme pain, swelling that affects breathing, or severe bleeding that won’t stop, proceed to the nearest emergency room. |
Remedies for Temporary Relief
While waiting for professional care, you can take steps to manage your pain:
- Rinse with warm salt water: This helps reduce swelling and keeps the affected area clean.
- Apply a cold compress: Cold compresses or ice packs can numb sharp pain and reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief. Always follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions and never exceed the recommended daily amount.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Cold foods and hot beverages can worsen tooth sensitivity.
Seeking Emergency Dental Care
If you experience severe tooth pain, persistent swelling, or any other urgent dental situation, don’t wait. Emergency dentists can assess the issue and provide the necessary treatment, whether it’s a root canal, tooth extractions, or other emergency treatments.
Ignoring severe dental pain can lead to long-term oral health issues, so taking swift action ensures the best outcome for your dental health and overall well-being.
If you have kids, you know that accidents are inevitable. To learn how to manage pediatric dental emergencies, read: Be Prepared: How To Deal With Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Emergency Dental Care at Youth Dental & Orthodontics
Contact Youth Dental & Orthodontics on our 24-hour emergency line: (303) 886-0699. Our experienced team is ready to provide prompt and compassionate care to address your urgent dental needs.
We offer same-day appointments to ensure you receive timely treatment. Visit our Kids Emergency Dentist page for more information.
For non-emergency dental services, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
