Waking up in the middle of the night with a throbbing toothache is a nightmare that many of us have experienced. It's not just the pain, but the uncertainty of what to do next that can be truly daunting.
A toothache can be a symptom of various dental issues, from cavities and gum disease to a dental abscess. The first step in dealing with a toothache is understanding the source of your pain. This requires a professional examination, but in the meantime, noting the nature of your pain—whether it's sharp, throbbing, or constant—can provide valuable information.
While you're arranging a dental visit, there are several steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief, as can rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. However, these are not long-term solutions and are not substitutes for professional dental care.
For middle-of-the-night toothaches, remain upright to minimize throbbing. Cold compress application for 20 minutes on/off directly on painful areas reduces inflammation too. Soft foods are easier to chew on the other side until you’re able to be seen. Setting appointments early morning the same day as the office opens ensures urgent attention.
If pain persists for more than 48 hours, seems to be worsening quickly or spreads to other teeth, contacting your Mission Viejo emergency dentist is necessary for immediate diagnosis and relief. Don’t wait for the weekend or holidays to roll by — address it now so problems don't get worse. Dentists can provide pain medication, temporary dental work, or prompt care in an emergency situation.
With intense toothaches, some patients wonder whether they should go to the emergency room instead of waiting to see their dentist. In most cases of dental pain caused by issues like cavities, cracked teeth, pulp inflammation, or gum disease, there’s little that the ER can do for you. The hospital will likely only offer pain-relieving medications rather than dental treatments and procedures best administered in a professional clinical setting by your dentist.
ERs focus on addressing immediate health crises and trauma-related injuries — they do not have the specialized equipment and dental expertise to provide definitive relief for common toothaches. The exceptions would be if facial swelling extends to the eye or throat inhibiting breathing, uncontrolled oral bleeding from the mouth, or facial bone fractures suspending the teeth in harmful positions.
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and a balanced diet can help prevent toothaches. If you're prone to dental issues, your dentist might even recommend more frequent check-ups.
Don't let a toothache ruin your day—or your smile. At Oasis Dental, Dr. Paul Ferraro and his team are committed to providing immediate and effective solutions to your dental woes. We're conveniently located in Mission Viejo, CA, and are just a phone call away at (949) 364-6110. Don't wait for your toothache to get worse. Reach out to us today and let us help you smile with confidence again.
