Skip to main content

When to See Your Dentist About a Toothache

When to See Your Dentist About a Toothache

Our team at Healthy Smile Dental, led by Hannah Baek, DDS, offers outstanding general, cosmetic, and emergency dental services for patients of all ages who live in and around our Woodridge, Illinois, community.

We’re dedicated to creating and maintaining the beautiful smile you deserve and are happy to provide information that helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Read more about toothaches and when it’s time to schedule a dental visit.

Understanding what causes toothaches

One of the first steps in determining whether you should schedule a routine dental visit for a toothache, or possibly an emergency appointment, is to try to identify the underlying cause of your pain.

Common toothache causes include:

Other than minor gum irritation, which might be due to a temporary problem such as a popcorn husk trapped between your gums and a tooth, these issues require dental treatment to prevent further damage and worsening pain.

But some dental issues require care more urgently than others. And without a dental exam, it may be impossible to identify the cause of your pain, since it could be related to a problem hidden within the affected tooth or below the gumline. 

Let your symptoms be your guide

Thanks to all the sensitive nerve endings in your mouth and jaw, a toothache can range from a mildly annoying discomfort to an excruciating pain that many individuals describe as the worst they’ve ever experienced.

Although a toothache is not usually considered life-threatening, the condition driving the pain can cause serious illness. A bacterial infection of the gums or inner tooth (pulp), for instance, can spread to the rest of your body via your bloodstream.     

At Healthy Smile Dental, we recommend you schedule an urgent appointment for any pain that:

Our emergency dental services are available 24/7. Should your tooth pain occur outside of office hours, your call is forwarded directly to Dr. Baek, who provides further instructions over the phone.

What if my toothache goes away?

If your pain resolves and it was related to a temporary issue such as minor gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, it’s probably safe to assume the problem is solved once the pain resolves.

But most dental issues don’t heal on their own. Gum disease or a fractured tooth, dental cavity, lost filling, among others, only worsen with time and can eventually compromise your oral health and overall smile appeal.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Baek at Healthy Smile Dental today for toothache care and information about preventing future issues.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Are Braces My Only Option for a Straighter Smile?

You want or need straighter teeth. Whether that’s due to your dentist’s recommendation to align your bite to save your teeth, gums, and jaw bone, or whether you just want to look better, you may worry that braces are your only option. They're not.
When Is It a True Dental Emergency?

When Is It a True Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies may look different than you think. If you’re struggling with pain, swelling, or other symptoms, read on to learn more about dental emergencies and when you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
The Main Differences Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

The Main Differences Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

When it comes to improving your smile, you have options — but deciding which cosmetic dental procedure will give you the results you’re looking for can be confusing. Veneers and dental bonding are two popular treatments. Here are the differences.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Traditional fillings aren’t the only way to repair cavities. In certain situations, you may be better suited to receive an inlay or onlay as an alternative. These provide a cavity repair option with both strength and cosmetic appeal.
Warning Signs that You Have an Abscess

Warning Signs that You Have an Abscess

An abscess warns you about an infection, but what warns you about an abscess? If you miss these signs of an abscess you may be neglecting a serious oral health problem.