Tooth Pain Diagnosis: When to Call an Emergency Dentist
Tooth pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it’s a dull ache that’s been going on for weeks or a sharp pain that hits you out of the blue, dental pain means there’s a bigger issue that can’t be ignored. For many people in St. Albert, determining when to visit the emergency dentist can be confusing. That’s why Dr. Dimitrov and the team at Mission Hill Dental are here to help you with tooth pain diagnosis and treatment—and get you urgent care when you need it most.
If you’re in tooth pain now, don’t wait. Fast action can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
Before you can get relief, you need to know what’s causing your dental pain.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from minor cavities to serious infections. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Cavities: Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of dental pain. When a cavity reaches the inner nerve of the tooth, it can cause sharp or throbbing pain.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Biting down on hard foods or sustaining an injury can lead to fractures that expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
- Infections and Abscesses: When bacteria reach the root of a tooth, they can cause painful infections, often accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Gum Disease: Inflamed or receding gums can expose tooth roots, making them sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and jaw pain.
- Sinus Infections: Sometimes, tooth pain isn’t from a dental issue at all. Sinus infections can create pressure that feels like a toothache, especially in the upper jaw.
While these causes are common, the only way to know the true source of your pain is with a proper dental diagnosis.
How Dentists Diagnose Tooth Pain
At Mission Hill Dental, Dr. Dimitrov utilizes a combination of clinical expertise and advanced technology to diagnose the source of tooth pain accurately. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Visual Exam: Dr. Dimitrov will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for visible signs of decay, infection, or trauma.
- Digital X-Rays: X-rays enable us to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, allowing us to identify hidden issues such as abscesses or bone loss.
- Percussion Test: Gently tapping on the tooth helps assess whether the pain is coming from a specific tooth or the surrounding area.
- Thermal Test: Checking how your tooth responds to hot or cold stimuli can give clues about nerve health.
- Bite Test: Biting down on a special tool helps determine if pain occurs when pressure is applied.
Once the cause of your tooth pain is identified, the next step is finding the proper treatment to resolve it and prevent further problems.
Treatment Options for Tooth Pain
The treatment you need depends on the cause of your pain. Here are some of the most common solutions:
- Fillings: Small to medium-sized cavities can be filled.
- Root Canal: If the nerve is infected or inflamed, a root canal removes the damaged tissue and saves the tooth.
- Crowns: A cracked or severely damaged tooth may require a crown to restore its strength and function.
- Gum Therapy: Scaling and root planing can treat gum disease and reduce sensitivity.
- Night Guards: If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard can protect your teeth and prevent future tooth damage and pain.
- Tooth Extractions: If a tooth can’t be saved, removal is necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
But how do you know when your tooth pain is more than just a normal issue and needs attention now?
When Tooth Pain Becomes an Emergency
Not all dental pain requires emergency treatment, but some signs should never be ignored. Call your emergency dentist right away if you experience:
- Severe, unrelenting pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Facial or gum swelling, especially if accompanied by fever (signs of infection)
- A knocked-out or broken tooth due to injury
- Persistent bleeding from the gums or mouth
- A visible abscess or pus-filled bump on your gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, Mission Hill Dental is ready to help with same-day emergency appointments in St. Albert.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov at Mission Hill Dental for Emergency Care?
When you’re in pain, you need a dentist you can trust. At Mission Hill Dental, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and long-term health. Here’s why patients in St. Albert choose us for emergency dental care:
- Same-Day Appointments: We’ll see you as soon as possible to relieve your pain and prevent further damage.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment, we offer a full range of emergency services under one roof.
- Advanced Technology: Our modern tools ensure fast and accurate diagnosis.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be—that’s why we treat every patient with kindness and care.
The sooner you address a dental emergency, the better the outcome will be. Acting fast can often save your tooth and protect your overall health.
What to Do If You Have Tooth Pain Right Now
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, here’s what you can do immediately:
- Call Mission Hill Dental: Our team will guide you through the next steps and schedule an emergency appointment.
- Apply a Cold Compress: This can help reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Use medications like ibuprofen as directed to help manage pain until you can be seen.
- Avoid Hot, Cold, or Hard Foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that is painful.
Remember—waiting too long to treat tooth pain can lead to bigger problems, including tooth loss or serious infections.
Don’t Let Tooth Pain Go Untreated
At Mission Hill Dental, we’re here to provide fast, compassionate care when you need it most. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or a dental emergency in St. Albert, contact Dr. Dimitrov and our team today. We’ll help diagnose the issue, relieve your pain, and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Call now to schedule your emergency dental appointment—because no one should have to suffer with tooth pain.
