Is Severe Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency? When You May Need a Root Canal

If you’re dealing with severe tooth pain that keeps getting worse, wakes you up, causes swelling, or hurts when you bite down, it’s time to treat it as a dental emergency. You’ll want an exam to see if decay, a crack, or an infected tooth has reached the inside of your tooth.

At West Jordan Family Dentistry in Taylorsville, we’re here to help you get answers when tooth pain might mean you need an emergency root canal near West Jordan.

When Is Severe Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?

A mild toothache can sometimes wait, but strong, throbbing, spreading, or pressure-related pain needs attention. If your pain gets worse when you chew or eat something hot, the pulp inside your tooth could be inflamed or infected.

The Mayo Clinic lists severe toothache, temperature sensitivity, chewing pain, fever, swelling, and bad taste or odor as possible tooth abscess symptoms.

Call a dentist promptly if you notice:

• Pain that gets worse or wakes you up
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Lingering hot or cold sensitivity
• Swelling near the tooth, gums, face, or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on the gums
• Fever, bad taste, or drainage

What Symptoms Can Mean You Need a Root Canal?

You may need root canal therapy if inflammation or infection has reached the pulp inside your tooth. The American Association of Endodontists explains the pulp holds nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Deep decay, dental work, cracks, chips, or injury can all damage this tissue.

A root canal treats the inside of your tooth. Your dentist removes the infected tissue, cleans the canals, seals the space, and protects your tooth with a restoration if needed. Most of the time, this lets you keep your natural tooth.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Dr. Parker DeMille will start by examining your tooth and explaining what he sees. He may use X-rays or other tools to check your roots, bone, and any signs of infection.

During root canal therapy, your tooth will be numbed. The infected pulp is removed, your tooth is cleaned, and the canals are sealed. Afterward, your tooth may need a crown or another restoration for protection.

When Should You Go to the ER Instead?

Most tooth pain means you need a dentist, not a hospital emergency room. Head to the ER if you’re having trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or facial swelling with a fever and can’t reach a dentist. The ER can help with serious symptoms, but you’ll still need dental care.

FAQ

Can a severe toothache go away on its own?

Pain might fade if pressure changes or an abscess drains, but it doesn’t mean the infection is gone. You’ll still need an exam so the source of your pain can be treated.

Does every toothache need a root canal?

No. Tooth pain can come from decay, cracks, gum irritation, sinus pressure, bite problems, or other causes. Your dentist will need to examine your tooth before recommending a filling, crown, root canal therapy, or extraction.

Call West Jordan Family Dentistry for Severe Tooth Pain Near West Jordan

If you need an emergency dentist near West Jordan for severe tooth pain, call West Jordan Family Dentistry in Taylorsville. Dr. DeMille and our team will evaluate your tooth, explain if root canal therapy is right for you, and help you get care before things get worse.