When Should You Consider a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

If you believe you have a toothache that demands immediate attention from a dentist in the Aurora, Illinois, area, please call Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and the team at Total Health Dental. Dr. Mohsinuddin and his team are always happy to discuss your oral health and provide relief to patients who are seeking dental assistance.

What Causes a Toothache?

Here are some common reasons you may be suffering from a toothache:

• Cavity: When cavities are left untreated, the cavity-causing acids and bacteria will continue to eat away the layers of protective enamel. When a cavity becomes deep enough, this will cause discomfort, especially when you chew your food when eating
• Tooth Infection: Cavities that remain untreated will eventually result in an infection of the tooth. The nerves in your teeth will slowly die, causing discomfort in the jaw and gums that feels like a toothache. This discomfort will be accompanied by swelling and increased sensitivity at the site of infection
• Oral Trauma: If you experience blunt force trauma, such as taking a ball to the face during an athletic event, or if you fall, the pain you feel later could feel similar to a toothache. If you experience this, you may be dealing with a damaged tooth (or teeth)

When Does a Toothache Become a Dental Emergency?

If you are experiencing a toothache that has lasted between 24 and 48 hours and is causing significant discomfort, you should consider this a dental emergency and reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches which last this length of time are usually indicative of some advanced decay or infection of the tooth.

If you do not seek care for a toothache that has lasted this long, the condition is likely to become worse. If an infection is allowed to advance into the pulp of the tooth, it can lead to increased and sometimes unbearable aching.

If you are experiencing any dental discomfort, schedule an appointment at Total Health Dental by calling (630) 822-9600 today.

Dr. Mohsinuddin and his team are here to answer questions and see you as soon as possible if a dental emergency occurs.

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