patient having toothache at dental clinic office

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Not every toothache is a dental emergency, but some are, and knowing the difference saves you pain and worry. Here is how Doylestown patients can tell when to call Summit Dental Doylestown and when a tooth problem can wait a little.

Signs a toothache needs same-day attention

Some symptoms mean you should not wait it out. Call us right away if you have:

Severe or throbbing pain that does not ease with over-the-counter pain relievers
Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
A tooth that is knocked out, cracked, or loose after a fall or hit
Bleeding that will not stop
A fever along with mouth pain
Pain that keeps you up at night or makes it hard to eat

Swelling and fever can point to an infection, and infections do not clear up on their own. The sooner we see you, the more likely we can save the tooth and keep things from getting worse.

Toothaches that can usually wait a bit

Other aches are still worth a call, just not a middle-of-the-night panic. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold, a dull ache that comes and goes, or something stuck between your teeth can often wait until we can get you in during regular hours. Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to clear any trapped food, and book an appointment. If it gets worse, treat it as urgent.

Our hours, and how same-day works

We want to be straight with you about when we can help. Our office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and we are closed Friday through Sunday. If you are in pain during our open hours, call us as early in the day as you can, before we close, so we have time to fit you in the same day when it is possible. The earlier you call, the better your chances of being seen that day.

When to skip the dentist and go to the ER

Some situations are past what a dental office can handle. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to your jaw or face. When your airway or a major injury is involved, the ER is the right first stop, not the dental chair.

What to do while you wait

Until you can be seen, a few things help. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Hold a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to bring down swelling. Rinse with warm salt water. If a tooth was knocked out, keep it moist in milk or in your cheek and bring it with you. Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods on that side.

The takeaway

A toothache is your body telling you something needs attention. If it is severe, swelling, or the result of an injury, do not wait. Call us during our hours, and for anything life-threatening, go straight to the ER.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Mild sensitivity sometimes settles down, but pain from decay or infection does not fix itself. If an ache lasts more than a day or two, or comes with swelling or fever, call us.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe pain, facial or gum swelling, a knocked-out or cracked tooth, bleeding that will not stop, or a fever with mouth pain all count. When breathing or a major injury is involved, go to the ER instead.

Do you offer same-day appointments for pain?

When we can, yes. Call during our open hours and as early in the day as possible, and we will do our best to see you the same day.