Is a severe toothache considered a dental emergency?

Yes. A severe or continuous toothache — especially if it disrupts sleep or is accompanied by swelling or fever — should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible to rule out abscess or infection.

What are common symptoms of a dental abscess?

Symptoms may include constant throbbing pain, swelling of the gums or face, a pimple-like bump on the gums, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, a bad taste in the mouth, and possibly fever or swollen lymph nodes.

Can a tooth infection go away without treatment?

No. An infection behind a tooth or in the gum will not resolve on its own. Without professional treatment — such as drainage, antibiotics, a root canal, or extraction — it may spread to jawbone or soft tissue.

What should I do for immediate pain relief until I see the dentist?

Rinse gently with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the cheek, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (if appropriate), and keep your head elevated. These are temporary measures — you still need professional care.

When should I call for emergency dental care instead of waiting?

Call immediately if swelling spreads to the face or neck, you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling worsens quickly, or pain becomes unbearable. These signs may indicate a serious infection that needs urgent treatment.

When Does a Toothache Become an Emergency? Relief for Severe Pain in Upland

Pain is your body’s way of saying "Help me."

A toothache can range from a momentary zing when you bite into ice cream to a blinding, throbbing nightmare that makes it impossible to think, sleep, or work. But how do you know if it's just sensitive teeth or a dangerous infection?

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we help Upland residents identify the source of their pain and stop it at the source. Dr. Vikas Sikka uses advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the issue and provide immediate relief.

Is It a Toothache or a Sinus Infection?

This is one of the most common questions we get. The roots of your upper teeth (molars and premolars) sit very close to, and sometimes extend into, your maxillary sinuses. When your sinuses are inflamed, they can put pressure on these roots, mimicking a toothache.

It Might Be a Sinus Infection If:

The pain is felt in multiple upper teeth, not just one.
The pain worsens when you bend over or jump.
You have other symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, headache, or fever.
You recently had a cold or flu.

It Is Likely a Dental Problem If:

The pain is isolated to one specific tooth.
The pain is sharp and shooting when you bite down.
You have swelling in the gums adjacent to a specific tooth.
You have a history of a cavity or filling in that tooth.

If you are unsure, an X-ray at our office can quickly rule out a dental cause.

Signs Your Toothache is an Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of the tooth or in the gum tissue. This is a serious medical condition. An abscess will not go away on its own; it requires professional drainage and antibiotics.

Watch for these stages of infection:

The Throb: Continuous, pounding pain that often aligns with your heartbeat. It may keep you awake at night.
The Heat: Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers for 10-30 seconds after the stimulus is removed.
The Swelling: You may notice a pimple-like bump on your gums (fistula). If this bursts, you might taste foul-tasting fluid (pus), and the pain may temporarily subside. Do not be fooled—the infection is still there.

The Spread: Visible swelling in your cheek, jaw, or neck. This is a "Red Alert" sign that the infection is spreading into facial tissues.

Immediate Home Remedies (Until You See Us)

While you wait for your appointment at Higher Ground Dentistry, you can try these steps to manage the discomfort. Note: These are temporary fixes, not cures.

Salt Water Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Swish gently for 30 seconds and spit. This helps draw out infection and reduces gum inflammation.
Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the painful area. This reduces swelling and numbs the area. Never put heat on a dental infection, as it can cause the bacteria to multiply and spread.
OTC Medication: Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) is generally more effective for dental pain than Acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it is an anti-inflammatory. Taking them together (alternating) can also be effective, but please consult your doctor first.

Keep Your Head Elevated: When sleeping, use extra pillows. Lying flat increases blood pressure to the head, which makes the throbbing worse.

The Danger of Waiting

We understand that dental anxiety or financial concerns can make you hesitate. However, ignoring an abscess is dangerous. An untreated infection can spread to the jawbone (Osteomyelitis), the floor of the mouth (Ludwig's Angina), or even the bloodstream (Sepsis).

If you experience a fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, this has moved beyond a dental problem to a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.

For definitive treatment—whether it's a root canal, extraction, or deep cleaning—call Higher Ground Dentistry at (909) 946-9090. We will stop the pain and save your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is a toothache considered a dental emergency?

Yes — if the pain is severe, constant, waking you up at night, spreading to the jaw/ear/neck, or accompanied by swelling, you should treat it as a dental emergency. These symptoms can indicate an abscess, which requires immediate treatment.

2Can a toothache go away on its own?

Mild sensitivity may improve, but a true toothache caused by decay or infection does not go away on its own. Pain may temporarily decrease if an abscess bursts, but the infection remains and will worsen without treatment.

3Why does dental pain get worse at night?

When you lie down, blood pressure to the head increases, which causes inflamed tissues in and around the tooth to swell. This makes the throbbing more intense at night

4What helps toothache pain instantly?

Temporary relief can come from ibuprofen, salt water rinses, cold compresses, and keeping your head elevated — but these only manage symptoms. The root cause must be treated by a dentist to stop the pain permanently.

5Will I need a root canal for a severe toothache?

Not always. The right treatment depends on the cause — it may be a deep cleaning, filling, crown, root canal, or extraction. An exam and X-ray at our office will determine the fastest relief option.