5 Signs Your Toothache Is a Dental Emergency (And What to Do Now)

Tooth pain can be distracting, exhausting, and sometimes even unbearable. While occasional sensitivity or mild irritation may not be urgent, a lingering or severe toothache is often a sign that something is seriously wrong. Ignoring it can make the problem worse, leading to infections, broken teeth, or even emergency hospital visits.

If you’re in Calgary and wondering whether your toothache is an emergency, here are five warning signs to watch for, what you can do at home, and when to call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency for immediate help.

1. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Most mild toothaches fade after a short time, but if you’re experiencing throbbing or sharp pain that won’t subside, it’s a red flag. Persistent pain often means there’s an underlying issue such as:

• A deep cavity

• A cracked tooth

• An infection inside the tooth or gums

Untreated, these problems may worsen and put your oral health at risk.

2. Swelling in the Face or Jaw

If your toothache is accompanied by swelling in your gums, jaw, or even face, you may be dealing with an infection. This can spread quickly if left untreated, sometimes even affecting breathing or swallowing. Any swelling paired with pain should be taken seriously and checked by an emergency dentist right away.

3. Sensitivity That Lingers After Hot or Cold

It’s normal to feel a brief “zing” when sipping coffee or eating ice cream. But if the sensitivity lingers for more than a few seconds—or turns into pain that radiates into your ear, jaw, or head—it could be a sign of nerve damage or decay reaching deep inside the tooth.

4. Fever or Pus Around the Tooth

A fever combined with dental pain often indicates infection. If you also notice pus, a bad taste, or a foul smell in your mouth, this could be a dental abscess. Abscesses are dangerous because the infection can spread beyond the tooth to your bloodstream. This requires immediate treatment by an emergency dentist.

5. Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth

If biting down causes sharp pain or discomfort when you touch the tooth, you may have a crack, cavity, or infection in the pulp (nerve tissue). The sooner it’s treated, the more likely your dentist can save the tooth.

What You Can Do at Home (Temporary Relief)

While waiting to see a dentist, you can:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and soothe irritation.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (follow directions on the label).

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

• Avoid chewing on the affected side.

• Stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.

Important: These remedies only provide temporary relief. They do not fix the root cause of the problem.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Toothaches rarely get better on their own. The longer you wait, the more serious the damage may become. What starts as a cavity can turn into an abscess. What begins as mild sensitivity can progress into nerve infection requiring a root canal or extraction.

Prompt treatment not only saves you pain—it can also save your tooth.

How Inglewood Family Dental Emergency Can Help

At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary, we understand how disruptive a toothache can be. That’s why we offer:

• Same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental needs

• Extended evening and weekend hours for care when others are closed

• Gentle, compassionate treatment for patients of all ages

• Full-service emergency care, from fillings and crowns to root canals and extractions

FAQs About Toothache Emergencies

1. Should I go to the ER or dentist for a toothache?

If your pain is severe, paired with swelling that affects breathing, or you have a high fever, go to the ER immediately. Otherwise, contact an emergency dentist for urgent care.

2. Can a toothache go away without treatment?

Mild sensitivity may fade, but serious toothaches usually mean infection or damage that won’t heal on its own. Professional treatment is necessary.

3. How much does emergency treatment cost in Calgary?

Costs vary depending on treatment (filling, root canal, extraction). At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency, we offer transparent pricing and accept insurance, including CDCP patients.

Prevention Tips

• Brush and floss daily to keep decay away.

• Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch issues early.

• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

• Maintain a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing tooth pain that just won’t quit, don’t ignore it. What feels like a simple ache could be a warning sign of something much more serious.

➡️ Call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary today for same-day treatment and immediate relief. Your smile—and your health—can’t wait.

👨‍⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a general dentist in Calgary and the owner of Inglewood Family Dental Emergency. With over 10 years of private practice experience and a teaching role at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry, he brings both clinical expertise and academic knowledge to every patient interaction.