When a Toothache Is a Dental Emergency

A toothache is often nothing short of misery. Sometimes it can start as a tiny nagging sensation, but other toothaches may come on quickly and ferociously.  

Some toothaches require immediate care, while others can wait a day or two. In either case, a toothache requires proper dental care to get to the root of the problem.

If you have a toothache — or any other type of dental emergency — give us a call right away. Dr. Ed Trizzino and the Smiles of Atlanta team reserve appointments each day for dental emergencies. 

In the meantime, make sure you know the top six signs that your toothache is a dental emergency. 

1. You have severe pain

Intense, throbbing pain that doesn't go away or worsens over time is an obvious red flag.

While you wait for your appointment, you might consider swishing with salt water, applying a cold compress to the side of your face, or taking over-the-counter pain relief medication.

Keep this in mind, however: Even if over-the-counter medication dulls your pain, don’t postpone dental care. You still need to address the root cause of your toothache. 

2. You have swelling

If your toothache is accompanied by swelling (around your tooth, on your gums, or even on your face), it’s time to call us. Swelling can be a sign of an infection.

If you apply a cold compress to the affected side of your face, be sure to wrap your ice pack in a cloth to prevent damaging your skin.

3. You have a fever

Fevers are a sign that your body is battling an infection. If a fever accompanies your toothache (and is unrelated to a viral illness), it could indicate an oral infection that requires urgent medical intervention. 

Don’t brush off an oral infection. Left untreated, oral infections can spread quickly to other parts of your body and contribute to potentially life-threatening complications. 

4. You have an abscess 

Dental abscesses — pockets of pus that develop as a result of a bacterial infection — can form on your gums, at the tip of your tooth roots, or in your bone. If one forms on your gums, it may resemble a pimple-like bump. Don’t pop it! 

Treatment for an abscess depends on what type you have, but it may include draining the abscess, antibiotics, or a root canal.

5. Your tooth is broken

A broken tooth can cause pain, especially if your nerves are affected. If possible, rinse off any fragmented piece of your tooth and keep it moist — either in saliva, milk, or a tooth-preserving kit. Don’t store broken teeth in water. Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax.

6. A dental appliance or restoration is broken

Broken fillings, bridges, and crowns can lead to pain and potentially expose the inside of your tooth to bacteria. If your filling or crown falls out or is damaged, cover the affected tooth with a piece of sugarless gum or orthodontic wax. 

A note on filling repair kits: If you use a kit from the pharmacy, know that these are temporary solutions, intended to help protect your tooth while you wait for your appointment. Most kits advise you to receive dental care within 48 hours of using one.

What if your toothache isn’t a dental emergency?

A mild toothache that comes and goes may not be a dental emergency but should still be monitored as soon as possible. It could be the first sign of a small cavity.  

If the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and there are no other symptoms like swelling or fever, you can likely wait a day or two for an appointment. 

During your appointment, Dr. Trizzino pinpoints the underlying issue and prevents it from becoming more serious. For example, filling a small cavity can stop the spread of decay and help you avoid more complex treatments down the line.

In any case, the only way to resolve a toothache is to treat the root cause. Even if you don’t need an emergency appointment, the Smiles of Atlanta team can get you scheduled appropriately to prevent a dental emergency from developing. 

What to expect during your emergency dental appointment

The two goals of emergency dental care are to address your pain and find the source of your toothache. Cavities, infections, broken restorations, and broken teeth are just a few potential causes of your toothache.

Depending on the cause, holistic provider Dr. Trizzino may recommend:

• Composite (metal-free) fillings
• Porcelain crowns 
• Root canal therapy
• Medications, including antibiotics
• Bonding to repair chips and cracks
• Restoration repair or a new restoration 
• Tooth extraction (if your tooth can’t be saved)

If you have a toothache, get the relief you need. Call 770-407-8459 to request an emergency dental appointment. For less urgent matters, click here to request an appointment.