Is My Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

A severe toothache can be a frightening and uncomfortable experience. It can also make it difficult to talk, eat, or even sleep. If you ever wonder if your toothache is an emergency that requires immediate attention, our team at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group has the answer.

First, let’s explore the signs and symptoms that indicate you might need emergency dentistry. 

Knowing when you have a dental emergency

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

Severe toothache

A toothache can be an indication of tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. If the pain is severe and continuous or accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, you might be having a dental emergency. Call us right away.

Knocked-out tooth

If your tooth gets knocked out of its socket, locate the tooth and gently place it back into the socket or store it in a container with milk or saliva. Then call our practice immediately. We can usually save a tooth if we treat it within 30 minutes after it’s knocked out. 

Cracked or broken tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can cause severe pain and sensitivity to temperature changes or pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to infection or tooth loss.

Abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection that can affect the root of the tooth or surrounding tissue. The most common symptom is throbbing pain that increases over time. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Mouth injury

Any injury to your mouth, gums, or teeth that results in bleeding, swelling, or lacerations should be considered a dental emergency.

If you have a question about whether you’re having a dental crisis, call our office for guidance. We can immediately assess your situation and explain your next steps.

What to do if you experience a dental emergency

If you experience any of the above dental issues, call our expert team. We provide emergency appointments as needed. We can also give you instructions on how to care for your mouth until we see you.

Can a severe toothache be a dental emergency that requires immediate attention? Yes. But many other dental issues may qualify as emergencies. In all cases, seek our help right away.

Ways to prevent dental emergencies

Preventing dental emergencies is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help you avoid dental emergencies:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily
• Wear a mouthguard if you participate in high-impact activities
• Don’t chew on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
• Visit our practice regularly for checkups to catch early signs of decay or gum disease

While accidents can happen, you can avoid most dental emergencies if you take good care of  your oral health. 

To learn more about dental emergencies, reach out to our team in Washington, DC, at 202-315-0856, or send us a message. We’re here to answer your questions and provide emergency dental help and expert treatment when needed.