To Wait or Not to Wait: Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

When does a common problem become an uncommon emergency situation? You might be asking yourself that very question if you’re experiencing a toothache. For one reason or another, most people get the sense that everyone has a toothache at some point in their lives.

Whether or not this is objectively true, most dentists consider a toothache to be a dental emergency. So if you’re wondering “to wait, or not to wait?” here’s the short answer: don’t wait! Here’s why you should contact your emergency dentist promptly.

What A Toothache Could Mean

Toothaches aren’t always a simple indication of a sinus infection. If you don’t have the sniffles, then the issue could very well be something more serious, such as:

• Gum disease
• An abscess
• A dental infection
• Cavities
• Impacted wisdom tooth
• Teeth grinding or clenching

When you call your emergency dentist and give them more details about your discomfort, they’ll have a better idea of how urgent your situation is. That means even if you’re unsure what’s causing your aches or “how bad” it is, it’s still a good idea to contact them. At the very least you’ll get some peace of mind!

Dental Complications Can Progress Quickly

The tricky thing about dental emergencies is that waiting can make them worse and more difficult to treat. For example, early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis and can be removed with dedicated oral hygiene. In advanced stages, it’s called periodontitis, and needs more involved treatment. Some cases even require extracting a tooth to prevent the infection from spreading. The sooner you address dental emergencies, the better!

Financial Snowballing

That means the monetary cost of treating dental emergencies can progress quickly as well. However, Dentists don’t want finances to come between their patients and getting the care they need. Dental insurance is just one way to help make treatment affordable – there’s also low-interest financing through programs like CareCredit and in-house membership plans. Basically, it’s better for your wallet to check on your toothache and ask for financial assistance.

It’s true that not every dental emergency is as dramatic as gum disease. Maybe you simply need an oral appliance to give your jaw a break from excessive teeth grinding. Whatever the case may be, your toothache is still considered an emergency that’s worth getting checked. No one will call you silly for being concerned about your oral health, so don’t be afraid to call up your emergency dentist any time you notice a suspicious dental issue!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches and his team at Infinite Smiles Dentistry are compassionate caregivers. They know how stressful a toothache can be, which is why they maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and prioritize patient comfort. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Dr. Gaches at 918-928-2383 for timely treatment.