When things are going how they should, you probably don’t think about your teeth that much. You just laugh, smile, and eat without a second thought. But that all changes when there’s pain. Millions of people experience tooth pain every day, and if this includes you, you’re probably wondering, “Should I see a dentist right away about this?” The truth is that some types of toothaches require an emergency dentist while others don’t. To see which category your situation falls into, just keep reading.
Your Tooth Pain ISN’T an Emergency If…
You probably don’t need to schedule a dental appointment right away if any of the following sound familiar:
- Your tooth only hurts when eating hot or cold foods
- You feel a little sensitivity when drinking cold beverages
- You forget about your dental pain throughout the day
- You’ve just had dental work done (minor soreness afterward is normal)
In these cases, you might be experiencing discomfort because the enamel has thinned, meaning the underlying nerve of a tooth is more exposed to various temperatures. Or, it might stem from grinding your teeth at night or perhaps a micro-crack. While you should still schedule an appointment for these issues within the next week or so, you don’t need to drop whatever you’re doing and see your dentist immediately.
Your Tooth Pain IS an Emergency If…
You should schedule an emergency dental appointment if your dental pain is:
- So severe that you can’t focus on work or family
- Interfering with your sleep
- Definitively getting worse
- Accompanied by a darkened or discolored tooth
- Due to an injury that has created an obvious chip or crack
- Temperature sensitivity that lingers for 30 seconds or more
These point to an infection, dental injury, or even a combination of both. Waiting will only allow the situation (and pain) to become worse. Delaying will not only be extremely uncomfortable, but might actually lead to the loss of the tooth!
How To Make the Call
Fortunately, no matter the nature of your tooth pain, you’re not alone. As soon as you feel concerned, all you need to do is contact a dental office and explain your situation and symptoms, and they’ll be able to recommend whether you should come in immediately or at your earliest convenience. There’s no need to panic because you can trust professionals to give you the best possible advice, and they won’t make you wait if your situation is truly dire!
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr has proudly served the Massapequa Park community for more than three decades, and he is one of the most widely respected restorative dentists in the United States. An in-demand trainer, speaker, and educator, he has literally helped thousands of patients overcome all types of dental pain and other emergencies. If you or a loved one is currently dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait–reach out to Dr. Mohr by calling (516) 541-7344.