Tooth Pain: How to Identify When You Need Immediate Attention

Let’s face it tooth pain can be more than just annoying. It can take over your day, keep you up at night, and signal something serious happening beneath the surface.

But how do you know when to ride it out with ibuprofen and when to pick up the phone and call your dentist ASAP?

At Sandia Heights Dental Care, we want you to be informed and confident in protecting your oral health. Here’s how to know when tooth pain means it’s time to seek urgent dental care.

Toothaches: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Tooth pain can come in many forms:

• Dull and constant
• Sharp and shooting
• Sensitive to temperature or sweets
• Throbbing pain with swelling

While some discomfort can wait for your next dental appointment, certain signs should never be ignored.

5 Signs You Need Immediate Dental Attention

1. Severe, Persistent Pain (That Doesn’t Go Away)

If your toothache has lasted longer than 1–2 days or is worsening, this could be a sign of a deeper infection, cracked tooth, or nerve damage. Don’t wait pain is your body’s alarm bell.

2. Swelling Around the Tooth or Jaw

Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw could indicate an abscess, which is a pocket of infection. This is a dental emergency that can spread quickly if not treated promptly.

3. Fever Alongside Tooth Pain

A fever, especially with swelling or sensitivity, suggests your body is fighting an infection. This can become dangerous if left untreated.

4. Tooth Pain with a Bad Taste or Smell

A foul taste in your mouth or bad breath that won’t go away could be a sign of decay, infection, or pus leaking from an abscess.

5. Broken, Cracked, or Knocked-Out Tooth

Trauma to the tooth whether from a fall, bite, or accident can cause immediate or delayed pain. It’s important to get emergency care within 1 hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.

What Could Be Causing Your Tooth Pain?

Common dental issues behind moderate to severe tooth pain include:

• Cavities or decay
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Gum infections (periodontal disease)
• Dental abscesses
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Even if the pain seems mild, it can worsen quickly especially if it involves nerve exposure or infection.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

At Sandia Heights Dental Care, we’re here when you need us most. During an emergency visit, we’ll:

• Quickly assess the source of the pain
• Take digital X-rays if needed
• Provide immediate relief (pain control, drainage, antibiotics)
• Create a treatment plan to fix the issue permanently

Whether it’s a quick filling or a root canal, our goal is to get you out of pain and back to smiling as fast as possible.

How to Prevent Future Tooth Emergencies

While not every toothache is preventable, many are. Stay ahead of dental issues by:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove bacteria
• Visiting us every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups
• Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports
• Avoiding very hard foods that can crack teeth

Regular dental care can catch small issues before they become emergencies.

Tooth pain? Don’t wait it out get it checked.

Our team at Sandia Heights Dental Care provides gentle, effective emergency dental care right here in Albuquerque.

👉 Request an Urgent Appointment Now

Your comfort and health come first always.