Toothaches, or any kind of ache really, are never fun to experience. We thought we’d take a look at some common dental emergencies and the importance of seeing your dentist if you may be experiencing any toothaches, oral pain or are suffering from a painful dental emergency. Remember, if you’re overdue for a dental appointment, call us today to get that scheduled and stay on top of your oral health, which can help avoid some dental emergencies in the future.
Related Article: Emergency Dental Appointments Available at GPS Dental
How to Tell It’s a Dental Emergency
Not every situation is a painful dental emergency, but it’s important to know when you need to call your dentist right away. If you’re unsure, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you in severe pain?
- Are you bleeding from the mouth?
- Do you have a loose tooth/teeth?
- Do you have an infection?
- Have you lost a tooth?
- Are you experiencing major swelling in the face or mouth?
In general, if you need to stop any major bleeding, pain, or save a tooth – there’s no doubt you’re dealing with a dental emergency. Let’s take a look at some of the more common dental emergencies we see.
Related Article: Emergency Appointment: Do You Have a Toothache?
5 Most Common Dental Emergencies
- Broken Crown – If a dental crown falls off or completely breaks, it leaves your tooth very vulnerable. Schedule with us quickly to possibly avoid a root canal or extraction.
- Knocked-out Tooth/Teeth – If you’ve ever had a tooth knocked out, you know what a shock that can be. When you act quickly after a tooth has been knocked out, it’s possible that we may be able to reinsert your tooth. Pick up the tooth carefully, try not to touch the root, and gently rinse. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If you can’t, place in a small container of milk until you see your dentist.
- Unexplainable Toothache – If you have a sudden, out-of-the-blue toothache, it’s important to reach out quickly to discover the source of the pain. While over-the-counter pain meds and a cold compress can help temporarily, it’s good to get to the source of the pain sooner rather than later; your odds of a minor fix will be much greater the faster you see your dentist.
- Bleeding or Swollen Gums – Some minor bleeding or irritation here and there is usually just fine and not concerning. However, if your gums won’t stop bleeding and is accompanied with swelling, it can often mean there’s an underlying health or dental issue that needs to be addressed.
- Food or Object Lodged in Teeth – If an object or stubborn piece of food gets lodged, brushing and flossing won’t help. Get professional help quickly to remove the food/object and prevent any decay or irritation.
Related Article: Handling Dental Emergencies
Let’s Talk Toothaches
Toothaches are tricky — they can feel like a minor tinge or they can cause crippling pain. That’s why we want to share some common toothache causes, their symptoms and when you should seek help from your dentist if you are suffering from a painful dental emergency because of a toothache.
Q. What is the definition of a toothache?
A. Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth infection or decay.
Q. What are common toothache causes?
A. A toothache can have causes that are not due to underlying disease. Toothache causes may include getting something stuck in between the teeth, flossing, biting into something hard, or braces. Remember, in children, tooth pain is a regular part of the developmental process.
Common Toothache Causes:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth fracture or broken tooth
- Sensitive Teeth
- Damaged filling
- Infected gums or gum disease
- Inflammation of tooth pulp
- Impacted tooth
- Repetitive motions, such as grinding teeth or chewing gum
- Sinus congestion or infection (non-dental related issues)
Common Symptoms of a Toothache:
- Tooth pain that may be constant, throbbing, or sharp
- Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
- Headache or fever
- Trauma or injury to the area
- Cold or hot sensitivity when eating or drinking
- Swelling in your jaw or around the tooth
- Tooth pain while chewing
- Pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth, for some people
- Foul-tasting drainage from the tooth infection
We Provide Same-Day Emergency Services
Your Dental Pain is Our TOP Priority … call us today at 210-633-3477
If you are suffering from a painful dental emergency, we offer Emergency Dental Appointments, because we know they are more than just an everyday dental issue. If you’re dealing with pain or injury, it’s important to be seen right away. Our philosophy on dental emergencies is very simple “If you need toothache relief or another type of dental emergency, you are first in line… PERIOD.” Our office in San Antonio, TX is open Monday through Friday, 7 AM-5:30 PM, and our talented Dr. Skrobanek will be there to provide urgent dental care. We are willing to come in early, stay late, and even work through lunch to get you in, treated and comfortable again. Give us a call at 210-633-3477 … we can get you out of pain.
Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment
