I Have a Severe Toothache: Should I Get Emergency Care?

A toothache can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on daily activities. But how do you know if your toothache is severe enough to require emergency dental care? 

Our Center for High Tech Dentistry team in Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York, led by Kaveh Abedini, DMD, and Simon Rosenberg, DMD, offers expert advice on when to pursue dental intervention quickly.

When a toothache is considered an emergency

Not all toothaches require urgent care, but specific symptoms indicate a more serious problem you should address immediately. Seek emergency dental care at our practice if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums, which could indicate an infection
• Fever or chills, a sign that the infection may be spreading
• Pus or foul-tasting discharge around the affected tooth
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing, which may signal a spreading infection
• A cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth, especially if there’s bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry immediately.

Common causes of severe toothaches

We can determine whether you need emergency treatment when we understand what’s causing your toothache. Common causes include:

• Tooth decay and cavities – deep decay that reaches the nerve, causing intense pain
• Infections and abscesses – a bacterial infection inside the tooth or gums 
• Cracked or broken teeth – a fracture that exposes the sensitive inner tooth layers 
• Gum disease – gum disease that can lead to gum infections, pain, and even tooth loss
• Impacted wisdom teeth – a molar that’s stuck under the gum

Here at The Center High Tech Dentistry, we have the expertise to examine the root of your problem and provide a healthy dental solution.

What to do before coming to see us

While waiting for emergency care, you can take steps to ease the pain that include:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and inflammation
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) to manage discomfort
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling

You should also avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods, which can worsen sensitivity.

Don’t ignore the pain

A severe toothache is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring it can lead to serious complications, including spreading infections that may affect other parts of your body.

 If you’re unsure whether your toothache is an emergency, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact our practice.

Do you have a dental emergency? Call our provider now or book online to get the relief you need.