It’s easy to think of a toothache as a “simple” problem. After all, sometimes your body gets aches. However, this type of oral soreness shouldn’t be ignored – in fact, you’ll likely want to address it as soon as possible!
To find out why this seemingly innocent ache is considered a dental emergency, keep reading. This post will help you determine the best course of action for your oral health.
What A Toothache Could Mean
When you experience a sharp, pinpoint pain in one specific tooth, it’s usually not the result of dental sensitivity or a stressed jawbone. Instead, the underlying cause behind your discomfort could be:
- An infection located deep inside your tooth
- Cavities
- Untreated dental damage
- Severe alignment issues, such as overcrowding
Each of these problems can have a negative effect on your oral health or even your overall wellbeing, which is why dentists usually consider a toothache to be a dental emergency!
The Risk of Delaying Treatment
What makes dental issues truly complex is that your teeth don’t have the ability to heal themselves. They can’t fight off infections on their own, and they can’t repair broken or cut enamel. If you delay seeking professional treatment from your dentist, the problem will only get worse. Losing your precious pearly white would be a distinct possibility!
Requesting An Emergency Dental Appointment
It’s strongly recommended to call your dentist and request an emergency dental appointment when you have a persistent toothache. The friendly staff on the other end of the line will ask you questions to get a better understanding of your symptoms, then help you make the necessary next step arrangements. If your situation is considered urgent, they’ll do their best to see you as soon as possible and might be able to fit you in on a same-day basis.
Possible Treatments
Depending on what’s causing your toothache, your dentist might recommend:
- A root canal to flush out infection
- Fillings to treat cavities
- A crown or other restoration to compensate for damage
- An extraction and/or orthodontics to fix poor alignment
Rest assured, your dentist won’t proceed with treatment before examining your mouth and reporting their findings to you. You may have more than one option for solving your toothache, and they’ll want to work with you to form your treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concern, and most of all, trust your dental team to take good care of you. They’ll restore your oral health in no time!
About the Practice
When you have a mysterious toothache, you want to receive quality dental care without having to worry about driving to multiple offices. At La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland, our three dental professionals are able to offer truly comprehensive care. Whatever might be causing your toothache, we’ll take care of you from start to finish! To contact our office for an emergency appointment or for other oral concerns, call 214-227-6577.
