Toothache Emergency Dentist

What Causes Toothaches? 

Toothaches can be caused by several issues, but some may be less obvious than others. Common causes of toothaches can include: 

Tooth Decay (Cavities) 

Cavities that have been left untreated will eventually cause pain. When a cavity isn’t treated timely, it will not only spread to other teeth, but it can also spread deeper into the tooth. Once tooth decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, you’re more likely to feel pain, and are at a greater risk of infection and/or needing a root canal. 

Gum Disease

Discomfort in the gums can be an early sign of gum disease. 

Cracked Tooth

A mild crack in a tooth can usually wait for the next available dental appointment during regular business hours. Keep in mind that cracks do make your teeth more susceptible to infection, so you do need to get it looked at, but it’s not an emergency. 

However, cracks or breaks that cause severe pain do require seeing an emergency dentist. Untreated cracks and breaks make your teeth more likely to be damaged further, and could cause further complications.  

Damage to Dental Restoration

If a filling or dental crown falls out or becomes damaged, this can cause discomfort. Getting to the dentist as soon as possible will provide you with pain relief, and prevent further damage and complications. 

Bruxism (Grinding Your Teeth)

Whether in your sleep or because of stress, grinding your teeth can cause dental pain, jaw pain, and pain when trying to open your mouth.

Abscessed Tooth 

A dental abscess is when a pocket of pus builds up in the gums under an infected tooth. This is a dental emergency because if left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the body.

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What Do You Do During a Toothache Emergency?

After you have called your dentist, while you are waiting for your appointment, you can try the following for pain relief:

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers 

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended to dull the pain. 

Avoid Hard, Chewy, or Sugary Foods

Stick to soft foods, such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, or pasta. 

Rinse With Warm Salt Water 

The Cleveland Clinic notes that rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may provide pain relief. Get eight ounces of warm water and add ½ a teaspoon of salt, mix it in, gently swoosh the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

Apply a Cold Compress to the Affected Area

Applying a cold compress to the cheek nearest the toothache for 20-minute increments can reduce inflammation and pain.

Keep in mind that all of the above are temporary solutions and should not replace a dental appointment to address the underlying issue.

When To See a Dentist for a Toothache Emergency

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should see the dentist immediately if:

• You have a toothache that lasts for longer than two days
• You have facial swelling or swelling in the jaw
• You experience pain when opening your mouth widely

The Cleveland Clinic notes that a trip to the emergency room may be granted if you have: 

• Swelling underneath an eye or a knot in your jaw
• Severe tooth pain, which isn’t helped with pain medication
• Bleeding won’t stop even after applying pressure
• A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Get Immediate Tooth Pain Relief at Absolute Dental 

For affordable emergency toothache relief in Las Vegas, contact Absolute Dental. Here, you will find professional and friendly dental care from expertly trained dentists ready to help you with immediate tooth pain relief. Absolute Dental understands that dental emergencies happen, which is why we have same-day appointments available to find the issue, and get you out of pain as soon as possible.

Simply call Absolute Dental’s dental emergency hotline to see which Las Vegas emergency dentist near your location can see you the fastest. Absolute Dental will address your toothache emergency in the following ways:

Pain Management 

When you call Absolute Dental’s emergency hotline, you will be advised on the best ways to handle your dental pain until you can get into your emergency appointment. Depending on the situation, you will also be advised on how to protect your potentially damaged tooth until you can be seen. While you wait, take over-the-counter pain medication, and ice the area.

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 

In the majority of emergency dentist appointments, X-rays and an oral exam are going to be the first step to assessing what is causing the problem (and the extent of the problem). The emergency dentist will then give you their professional recommendation for treatment and discuss the next steps with you. 

Absolute Dental believes in personalized treatment plans. After your emergency dentist has found the cause of your toothache, they will explain your treatment options. You and the dentist will decide together which route would be best for you to preserve your teeth, and get you out of pain. 

Emergency Dental Procedures

Your dentist will likely perform an emergency procedure the same day to get you out of pain immediately. Possible emergency procedures for emergency dental pain may include: 

• Fillings: For a small piece of tooth that has fallen out or smaller cavities, dental fillings will likely be the recommendation. 
• Root canals: If a cavity or other infection has made it deep into your tooth, a root canal will likely be necessary. 
• Tooth extractions: If a tooth has become too infected, overcome with decay, impacted, or damaged in some other way, it may need to be extracted to alleviate the pain. To replace the missing tooth, the dentist may recommend a dental implant or a dental bridge (depending on the situation and your personal preference). 
• Dental restoration: If your current piece of restoration has fallen out, or a tooth has been broken and needs to be repaired, your dentist will discuss your options to restore the appearance and integrity of your teeth. Options tend to include inlays, onlays, bridges, crowns, or porcelain veneers.

How To Prevent Future Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies, such as accidental injuries, are unavoidable, many are preventable with proper dental care. If your teeth are healthy and strong, you are significantly less likely to experience a dental emergency. 

Following these tips can reduce your risk of future dental emergencies:

Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene Practices 

Keeping your teeth as clean and as healthy as possible by being proactive with your oral health can do wonders. Keep your teeth healthy by doing the following: 

• Floss at least once a day
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Maintain a healthy diet, low in sugar
• Chew sugar-free gum in between meals

Go to the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups are vital to ensuring that cavities and other dental health issues aren’t going undiagnosed and untreated. 

Get Regular Dental Cleanings 

Dental cleanings are the only way to remove the tartar buildup that brushing alone cannot. Tartar left on teeth will become tooth decay. Regular dental cleanings significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Consider a Mouth Guard 

If you grind your teeth in your sleep or engage in risky behavior, such as contact sports, discuss getting fitted for a mouth guard with your dentist.

Requiring a toothache emergency dentist can be stressful. Luckily, Absolute Dental offers professional and affordable emergency services in Las Vegas to get you out of pain quickly.

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Sources:

Toothache. (2023).