Managing Severe Tooth Pain: When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

General & Cosmetic Dentists Serving Omaha, Bellevue, Lincoln and Nearby Nebraska

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Posted: July 5, 2024
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Woman with severe toothache touching her swollen cheek.

Experiencing severe dental pain can be incredibly debilitating, impacting your ability to eat, speak, and sleep comfortably. At The Dentists of Omaha, we understand how distressing this can be and are here to help. With our extensive expertise and compassionate care, we are committed to addressing the root causes of your discomfort. Severe tooth pain often stems from conditions such as oral infections and gum disease. By recognizing these common causes, you can seek timely emergency dental care.

What Causes Severe Tooth Pain?

Severe tooth pain can stem from various underlying issues, including dental decay, infections such as abscesses, advanced gum disease, tooth fractures, impacted wisdom teeth, and teeth grinding (bruxism). Dental decay can erode the enamel and penetrate deeper layers of the tooth, leading to sensitivity and pain. 

Bacterial infections can result in abscesses and painful pockets of pus that require immediate attention. Advanced gum disease can cause inflammation, swelling, and bleeding, contributing to tooth and gum pain. Moreover, tooth fractures expose the nerve, and bruxism can also trigger significant discomfort in the mouth. 

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

If you experience constant, severe pain that does not subside with over-the-counter painkillers, it's a sign that you need to see a dentist immediately. This could indicate an underlying issue that requires prompt treatment, such as an abscess or a deep cavity.

Swelling in the face or gums, accompanied by fever, can signal a serious infection that needs emergency care. Infections can spread rapidly and lead to more severe health issues if not treated promptly.

If you've experienced trauma to the mouth resulting in excessive bleeding or knocked-out teeth, seek emergency dental care. Plus, symptoms of an abscessed tooth include severe, throbbing pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess is also a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Lastly, if tooth pain is accompanied by difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing, it could indicate a severe infection spreading beyond the dental area. This situation requires immediate medical attention.

Book Your Dental Care Appointment in Omaha, NE

Managing severe tooth pain can help you maintain oral health and overall well-being. Understanding the causes of tooth pain and knowing when to seek emergency dental care can significantly affect treatment outcomes. 

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact us at one of our four locations. 

  • Hillsborough: 402-445-4647
  • Village Pointe: 402-505-7474
  • Ralston Square: 402-733-4441
  • Dundee: 402-502-5593 
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