How Do I Know if My Tooth Pain is Serious?

Severe or persistent tooth pain that does not subside over time may indicate a more serious underlying issue. At Green Apple Dental Clinic, our dental team has years of experience helping people in your exact situation find relief and healing.

If you find yourself with severe tooth pain, here’s a little more about what you should know and do in the situation.

Evaluating Your Pain

If the pain is sharp, throbbing, or debilitating, it may be a sign of a dental emergency and should be evaluated by our team promptly.

Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the affected tooth or gums may indicate an infection or abscess. Abscesses are pockets of pus that form at the root of the tooth and can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Increased sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold, especially when biting or chewing, may indicate an underlying issue such as tooth decay, infection, or damage to the tooth structure.

If the sensitivity is severe or persistent, it may require prompt evaluation by our team to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Difficulty eating, chewing, or opening the mouth fully due to tooth pain or discomfort may indicate a more serious dental issue. If the pain interferes with your ability to eat, speak, or carry out daily activities, it’s essential to seek evaluation and treatment with us.

Systemic Symptoms

Systemic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or general malaise may accompany severe tooth pain and indicate the presence of a more serious infection or abscess. These symptoms suggest that the infection may be spreading beyond the tooth and surrounding tissues and require urgent dental care to prevent further complications.