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By Dentistry of Uptown Charlotte | November 26, 2025

Stuck with this extreme pain and don’t know what to do? Sometimes a toothache can stop you in your tracks, making it harder to think or do what you like when you are in pain. Whether it is a sharp and painful feeling or a dull ache, you may be wondering whether you should call an emergency dentist. A toothache can be a sign of a more serious issue. With the help of an emergency dentist, the problem can be controlled.

Common Causes of Toothache that Emergency Dentists See

  • Cavities are the most common cause, and they are formed because of bacteria in your mouth that develop holes in your teeth. 
  • Another common cause is gum infections, which cause pain and swelling. 
  • Cracked or broken teeth are also occasionally after an injury or trauma. 
  • Moreover, abscesses in the tooth – pockets of pus as a result of an infection – are a severe problem and an emergency dentist has to act. 

How Does Your Emergency Dentist Handle Toothaches

When you visit an emergency dentist with a toothache, the first thing the dentist will do is examine the severity of the pain. They will start with a detailed inspection by developing X-rays to have a clear picture of what is going on beneath the surface. 

In case you have an infection as a cause of the pain, your emergency dentist will probably prescribe you a course of antibiotics to cure the infection first, before starting any further treatment. Treatment can consist of fillings of cavities within, root canals for deep infections, or extractions where the tooth is too broken to be saved. Following either of them, the goal is to get you out of pain in the shortest time possible and restore your oral health.

What You Can Do Before You See an Emergency Dentist?

On the way to visiting your emergency dentist, you will have a few things that you can do to deal with your toothache, such as: 

  • Use a cold compress on the area of the pain to shrink the swelling and numb the pain. 
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are also over-the-counter pain relievers that could help ease the pain. 
  • A warm saltwater rinse would also soothe your gums and, at the same time, provide relief to the gums in terms of the potential debris accumulating and adding to the pain. 
  • Foods with high temperatures, cold, and sweetening can increase the pain in the tooth, which should be avoided. 
  • The most effective solution to the problem is professional assistance from an emergency dentist.

Why See an Emergency Dentist Instead of Waiting?

Waiting and hoping that the pain will go away may be the urge, but delaying the treatment may result in even greater issues. If the pain is a result of an untreated cavity or infection, the pain may further deteriorate and spread, resulting in loss of teeth or more serious infections. 

Waiting might also increase the pain more which makes it difficult to manage anymore and also reduces the ability to treat it effectively. 

Emergency dentists are trained to be able to cope with such cases in a short time to relieve the patients and avoid additional complications. Early intervention can help you save both time, money, and pain.

Your Emergency Dentist Is Just a Call Away

In case of a toothache, there is no need to sit there and suffer; you have an emergency dentist just a call away. Daily crisis, however small, or some serious case, emergency dentists are ready to cope with your pain and restore your smile in a short time. 
Call us and book your appointment today, and we shall assist you to feel comfortable and confident without the fear of experiencing any pain. Call now and get the relief you are entitled to!

FAQs

What causes a toothache?

A toothache can be caused by various issues such as cavities, gum infections, cracked teeth, or abscesses.

How can I take care of my toothache at home?

While waiting for your emergency dentist, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain.

Why should I see an emergency dentist for a toothache?

An emergency dentist can diagnose the underlying cause of your toothache and provide immediate treatment. Delaying care could lead to worsening pain or serious dental issues.

What treatments can an emergency dentist provide for a toothache?

Treatment for a toothache may include cavity fillings, root canals for deep infections, or extractions if the tooth is severely damaged. The emergency dentist will focus on relieving your pain quickly.

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