Tooth pain can be disconcerting, disrupting your daily routine and causing discomfort. When it strikes, you may find yourself wondering: Is this a dental emergency? In fact, many patients try to treat toothaches as normal, treating them with pain medication and ignoring them. However, this may be the wrong way to handle your oral issue. But why? Read on to learn the importance of treating tooth pain as a dental emergency so you can seek treatment quickly.
The Purpose of Tooth Pain
Oral pain serves as your body’s alarm system, signaling that something is wrong in your mouth. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth pain should never be ignored. It could be a sign of multiple dental issues, including tooth decay, infection, gum disease, or dental trauma.
That said, if the pain is low, or if it fades quickly, you don’t need to rush out immediately. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment for your next available time slot to have it checked. If the pain gets worse, you can request a same-day visit.
Why You Should Get Your Teeth Checked
So, which is it? Is tooth pain a dental emergency, or not? The simple answer is that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Every instance of tooth pain should be investigated. Here are some reasons why:
- Potential for Progression: Ignoring tooth pain can lead to the progression of dental problems, worsening the underlying issue. What may seem like minor discomfort at first could become a severe infection or abscess without swift treatment.
- Risk of Complications: Dental conditions left untreated can result in complications that extend beyond your oral health. For example, untreated infections can slowly spread to other parts of the body, causing issues like heart disease.
- Oral Structure Damage: Dental problems like advanced decay or abscesses can cause irreversible damage to teeth, gums, and your jawbone if left untreated. This may cause you to need more invasive and costly treatments down the line.
What You Should Do
The most important thing for you to do once your tooth starts hurting is to take it seriously and act quickly. Brush your teeth, floss, and rise with warm salty water. Then, contact your dentist and explain your symptoms. They can give you further guidance and may offer to see you sooner rather than later if the situation calls for it.
Tooth pain should never be dismissed or underestimated. By addressing tooth pain immediately, you can prevent complications, preserve your oral health, and alleviate discomfort. This ensures a happier, healthier smile in the long run. So, don’t let tooth pain linger—act today to safeguard your smile!
About the Practice
When you feel tooth pain, you should feel confident that your dentist will help you quickly. At Complete Dental Care of Renton, their team of dental experts is well-prepared to see you fast and treat you the same day if needed. They use advanced diagnostic tools and modern techniques to make your treatment efficient and pain-free. Call (425) 226-5940 to schedule an emergency dental appointment or visit the website to discover other services.