What to Do If You Have a Toothache: When to Call an Emergency Dentist in Reno

A toothache can start as a mild annoyance and quickly turn into severe, distracting pain. Whether it is a dull ache, sharp stabbing sensation, or throbbing discomfort that keeps you awake at night, tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong.

Knowing what to do and when to call an emergency dentist can make all the difference in protecting your oral health. Silvaroli Dental in Reno, NV, provides prompt emergency dental care to relieve pain and treat the underlying cause before it worsens.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain & Dental Emergencies in Reno

Toothaches can happen for many reasons. Some are minor and temporary, while others require urgent dental care.

Tooth Decay & Cavities Causing Severe Toothaches

One of the most common causes of tooth pain is untreated tooth decay. When a cavity progresses deep into the tooth and reaches the inner pulp, it can cause significant pain and sensitivity.

If left untreated, the infection may spread and require more advanced treatment such as a root canal.

Dental Abscess & Infection Symptoms

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms at the root of the tooth or in the surrounding gums. Symptoms may include:

• Severe throbbing pain
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Fever
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Sensitivity to pressure

An abscess is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist in Reno.

Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Teeth

Even a small crack in a tooth can expose the inner nerve and cause sharp pain when biting or chewing. Trauma, grinding, or biting into something hard can lead to fractures that require prompt treatment.

Gum Infection or Advanced Periodontal Disease

Sometimes, tooth pain does not come from the tooth itself but from the surrounding gums. Swelling, tenderness, and infection in the gums can create significant discomfort.

What to Do Immediately If You Have a Toothache

While waiting to see a Reno emergency dentist, there are a few steps you can take to manage discomfort safely.

Rinse & Clean the Area Gently

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria and soothe inflamed tissue. Carefully floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles.

Use a Cold Compress for Swelling

If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce pain temporarily. Always follow dosage instructions. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can irritate tissue.

Avoid Trigger Foods & Temperatures

Stay away from very hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods until you are evaluated by a dentist. These can aggravate the affected tooth and worsen pain.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist in Reno

Not every toothache requires immediate emergency care, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.

Severe or Worsening Tooth Pain

If your tooth pain is intense, constant, or getting worse, it is time to schedule an emergency dental appointment in Reno.

Swelling in the Face or Jaw

Facial swelling may indicate a spreading infection. This requires urgent treatment to prevent complications.

Fever Along With Tooth Pain

A fever combined with dental pain can signal infection. Seek care from an emergency dentist right away.

Tooth Pain After Trauma or Injury

If your toothache started after an accident, fall, or sports injury, you should be evaluated as soon as possible to assess for fractures or nerve damage.

What Happens at an Emergency Dental Appointment in Reno?

Silvaroli Dental puts your comfort and safety first. During your emergency visit, we will:

• Examine the affected tooth
• Take digital X-rays if needed
• Diagnose the cause of the pain
• Recommend immediate treatment

Emergency Dental Treatments for Toothaches

Treatment will depend on the cause and may include:

• Dental fillings for cavities
• Root canal therapy for infected pulp
• Antibiotics for abscesses
• Dental crowns for cracked teeth
• Tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved

Our goal is always to relieve pain quickly while preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.

Can a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Some mild tooth sensitivity may improve, but true toothaches caused by decay, infection, or damage rarely resolve without treatment.

Ignoring a toothache can allow the problem to worsen, potentially leading to:

• Increased pain
• Spread of infection
• Tooth loss
• More complex and costly treatment

If your tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, it is best to schedule an evaluation with a Reno dentist.

Preventing Future Toothaches & Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, good oral hygiene and routine dental visits significantly reduce your risk.

Tips to Avoid Tooth Pain

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Avoid chewing ice or hard objects
• Wear a mouthguard during sports
• Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings

Routine visits allow small issues to be treated before they become painful emergencies.

Emergency Dentist in Reno, NV at Silvaroli Dental

Tooth pain is never something you should ignore. Whether you are dealing with a severe cavity, cracked tooth, or possible infection, early treatment can prevent complications and provide fast relief.

If you are experiencing a toothache and are unsure whether it is an emergency, contact Silvaroli Dental. We’re here to evaluate your symptoms, relieve your discomfort, and restore your oral health as quickly as possible.

Call Silvaroli Dental today to schedule your emergency dental appointment in Reno.