Tooth pain can range from a minor annoyance to a severe, throbbing sensation that disrupts your entire day. But how do you know when that toothache requires immediate attention versus when you can schedule a routine appointment? At Aplus Clinic in Midrand, we help patients understand the difference between dental emergencies and issues that can wait.
Understanding Dental Pain: What Your Body Is Telling You
Tooth pain is your body’s warning system. Whether it’s a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull, persistent ache, pain signals that something needs attention. The key is determining how urgently you need care.
Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care (See a Dentist Immediately)
Severe, Unrelenting Pain
If you’re experiencing intense pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication, this could indicate a serious infection or abscess. An untreated dental abscess can spread to other parts of your body and become life-threatening.
What to do: Contact Aplus Clinic immediately or visit an emergency dentist if it’s after hours.
Swelling in Your Face, Jaw, or Gums
Facial swelling, especially when accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, suggests a spreading infection that requires urgent treatment.
What to do: Seek immediate dental care. This is a medical emergency that may require antibiotics and drainage.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when a tooth has been completely knocked out. If you act within 30-60 minutes, there’s a chance the tooth can be saved and reimplanted.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse gently with water if dirty
- Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk or saliva
- Get to Aplus Clinic or an emergency dentist within the hour
A Cracked or Fractured Tooth with Exposed Nerves
If you can see pink tissue inside the tooth or experience extreme sensitivity, the nerve may be exposed. This requires immediate attention to prevent infection and save the tooth.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes of applying pressure could indicate a serious problem and needs immediate evaluation.
When can you Schedule a Routine Appointment?
- Mild to Moderate Sensitivity:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks is common and often manageable. It could indicate enamel erosion, gum recession, or a cavity that’s developing.
What to do: Schedule an appointment by calling: +27 11 568 1680 within the next week or two. In the meantime, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoid extreme temperatures. - Dull, Intermittent Pain: A toothache that comes and goes, or pain that’s manageable with over-the-counter medication, usually doesn’t require emergency care but shouldn’t be ignored.
What to do: Book an appointment with Aplus Clinic: +27 11 568 1680 within a few days to a week. The issue may be a cavity, grinding, or early gum disease. - Food Getting Stuck Between Teeth: If food consistently gets trapped in the same spot, you might have a cavity, lost filling, or spacing issue.
What to do: Schedule a routine dental examination by calling: +27 11 568 1680 . Bring this to our attention during your visit.
Minor Tooth Chips
Small chips that don’t cause pain or expose the inner tooth can typically wait for a routine appointment, though you should still see your dentist soon to prevent further damage.
The Gray Area: When to Use Your Judgment
Some situations fall between emergency and routine care:
Pain that wakes you up at night: While you might be able to wait until morning, this level of discomfort suggests something significant that needs attention within 24 hours.
A lost filling or crown: This isn’t always an emergency, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable. Try to see a dentist within 24-48 hours to avoid complications.
Persistent bad taste or odor: This could indicate an infection. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two.
Home Care While Waiting for Your Appointment
If you’re dealing with tooth pain and waiting to see your dentist:
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (follow package directions)
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
- Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods that might aggravate the pain
- Keep the area clean by gently brushing and flossing
What to Avoid
Never apply aspirin directly to your gums or tooth, as this can burn the tissue. Also avoid using heat on the outside of your face, as this can worsen swelling if there’s an infection.
Prevention: The Best Medicine
Regular dental check-ups at Aplus Clinic can help identify problems before they become painful emergencies. We recommend:
- Professional cleanings and examinations every six months
- Addressing small cavities before they reach the nerve
- Monitoring areas of concern before they develop into major issues
When in Doubt, Call Us
At Aplus Clinic in Midrand, we understand that it’s not always easy to assess the severity of dental pain. If you’re unsure whether you need immediate care or can wait, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team can ask the right questions to help you determine the best course of action.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dental health. What starts as a minor issue can quickly escalate if left untreated.
Contact Aplus Clinic
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and need guidance on whether to seek emergency care or schedule a routine appointment, reach out to us:
plus Clinic Midrand
Visit: aplusclinic.co.za
Phone: +27 11 568 1680
Don’t let tooth pain control your life. Whether it’s an emergency or routine care, we’re here to help you get back to smiling comfortably.