Tooth Pain Emergency: Signs You Should See a Dentist Immediately

A toothache becomes an emergency when the pain is severe or constant, when it wakes you at night, or when it comes with swelling in the face or gums, fever, or a bad taste from the tooth. Pain that lingers for a long time after hot or cold, or pain that spreads to the jaw or ear, also suggests the nerve is involved and needs prompt care.

Sudden severe tooth pain usually comes from the nerve inside the tooth being irritated or infected. Deep decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, a failing filling, or an abscess at the root are the usual causes. Gum infection and impacted wisdom teeth can produce similar pain. Because the source is inside the tooth, the pain rarely improves for long without treatment.

Pain can fade for a while, but that does not mean the problem has resolved. When an infected nerve dies, the tooth may stop hurting even though the infection is still spreading into the bone around the root. A tooth that hurt badly and then went quiet still needs to be examined, because the underlying damage continues without symptoms.

Keep your head elevated, since lying flat increases pressure and pain in an inflamed tooth. Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks before bed. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if it is appropriate for you. Arrange to be seen as soon as possible.