Is My Toothache Considered a Dental Emergency?

About 26% of adults report toothache in the last six months. It's a common dental issue — but because there are so many possible causes, it's not always easy to determine if your discomfort constitutes a dental emergency.

Some toothaches can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a scheduled dental visit; others require immediate attention. Our team at Austin Advanced Dentistry offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies, and we're here to help you determine what steps you should take. Here's how to tell if your toothache is a dental emergency.

How to tell if your toothache is a dental emergency

To determine if you need a same-day dentist appointment, consider your symptoms and their severity. Here are some signs that indicate your toothache might be a dental emergency:

Severe, persistent pain

If your toothache is causing intense, throbbing pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medications or it persists for more than a day, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Severe tooth pain can be a sign of a deep cavity, an abscess, or an infection that needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Swelling and redness

Swelling around your tooth, gums, or face can signal an infection or abscess. This can be accompanied by redness and tenderness in the area. Facial swelling, in particular, can spread and lead to more severe health issues if not treated promptly.

Bleeding or discharge

Bleeding gums or pus around your tooth are possible signs of infection or periodontal disease. Pus discharge is particularly concerning because it can be a symptom of an abscess that could rupture and spread infection.

Fever or general malaise

If you have a toothache accompanied by a fever, chills, or general feeling of illness, it might mean an infection has spread beyond your tooth. Infections that cause systemic symptoms like fever need urgent medical care to prevent serious complications like sepsis.

Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Any dental issue that affects your ability to swallow or breathe is a medical emergency. Severe swelling or infection can impact your throat and airways, and seeking immediate medical care is essential.

Visible damage

Last but not least, visible damage to your tooth is always considered a dental emergency. If your tooth has a large crack or a fracture, or you knocked a tooth out, you should seek emergency dental care.

Damaged teeth are vulnerable to infection and further breakage, which can lead to more severe dental issues. A tooth that's loose or has been knocked out can sometimes be saved with quick action and help prevent further damage to your dental structure.

Same-day appointments for dental emergencies

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, we understand dental emergencies are painful — and stressful. That's why we offer convenient, same-day appointments to ensure you get the prompt care you need.

Aditi Saxena, DDS, Deepal Patel, DMD, and our team are equipped to handle urgent dental issues, from severe toothaches and infections to trauma and knocked-out teeth. When you call our office with a dental emergency, our compassionate staff will assess your situation and schedule you for the earliest available appointment.

Knowing when your toothache is a dental emergency can help you avoid complications and quickly get the necessary care. Call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-886-6734 to schedule today.