When you have a toothache, it’s easy for everything to feel off. It’s painful to chew, hard to speak, and it can even be difficult to sleep. Often, patients are quick to brush this type of discomfort off, thinking they can “live with” the pain, or that it will go away on its own. But unfortunately, unlike the rest of your body, your teeth will not get better without treatment. Here’s why you should always see your emergency dentist for any tooth pain, no matter how insignificant you think it may be.
The 24 Hour Rule
Your teeth can hurt for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s due to something unrelated, like sinus congestion. But while not every reason is a dental emergency, it’s not always easy for the average person to tell. Thus, if you have any unexplained discomfort that lasts longer than 24 hours, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible for further instructions. In some cases, you may be instructed to wait, but in others you may need to be seen on the same day.
Possible Causes for a Toothache
If you are experiencing dental pain, there are many possible causes that are considered urgent. Here are just a few:
- Cavity
- Tooth infection
- Abscess
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- Gum disease
For any of these reasons, it is important to reach out to your dentist as soon as you can. Each of these problems is serious and will not go away on its own, meaning you will need to undergo treatment to prevent them from worsening and causing even more pain and expense to correct.
How to Prevent a Dental Emergency
While there are no guarantees in life, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing painful oral health problems by taking proper care of your teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are just the start. It is also important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for your regular, bi-annual exams and cleanings. These appointments can help give you a “heads-up” that there could be problems with your teeth and gums further down the road and can diagnose any issues you may not even realize are lurking in your mouth.
Remember, toothache pain should be taken very seriously and treated as soon as possible. If yours lasts more than 24 hours, contact your emergency dentist at once.
About Our Practice
At 360 Dental Lounge, we know that dental emergencies don’t always come at convenient times. That’s why we’re open on Saturdays and some evening hours during the week. If you are experiencing an urgent oral health problem, don’t waste valuable time hoping it will go away. Contact us as soon as possible for an urgent appointment by calling 682-888-0488, or by requesting an appointment on our website.
