What To Do If You Need Urgent Care For Dental Pain

Don’t Ignore That Toothache: What Persistent Dental Pain Could Be Telling You

We’ve all had moments of discomfort—a bit of sensitivity here, a dull ache there. But when dental pain becomes severe or lingers, it’s a red flag you can’t afford to ignore. Even if the discomfort seems manageable now, letting a persistent toothache go untreated can lead to serious consequences—including the loss of your tooth.

If you're in pain, your body is likely trying to tell you that something is wrong. At Advanced Dental Group, our team in West Palm Beach, FL, is here to help patients get fast relief through urgent dental care and expert treatment like root canal therapy.

Why You Should Never Ignore Ongoing Tooth Pain

Pain that lasts more than a day or two may indicate a deep infection in the tooth pulp, which houses nerves and blood vessels. Waiting too long to seek treatment can allow the infection to spread—not only worsening your pain, but also increasing your risk of needing an extraction or experiencing systemic issues.

Signs your tooth may be infected:

  • Throbbing pain or constant ache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Swelling near the gums or jaw
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • A small bump (abscess) near the affected area

While over-the-counter pain relievers can help temporarily, they do not treat the root cause. Ignoring the signs may allow bacteria to travel deeper into the body, creating broader health risks.

Did you know untreated tooth infections can sometimes require an emergency oral surgery? Prompt care makes all the difference.

What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?

At Advanced Dental Group, we offer emergency dental services for both new and existing patients. When you arrive, we’ll begin by evaluating the affected tooth using digital imaging and a physical exam.

If a tooth infection is diagnosed, we may recommend root canal therapy—a procedure that involves:

  1. Removing the infected pulp and bacteria.
  2. Cleaning and sealing the interior of the tooth.
  3. Placing a custom dental crown to restore strength and function.

This treatment not only stops the pain, but also helps preserve your natural tooth.

What Can You Do Before Your Appointment?

While you wait for your emergency visit, here are a few things you can do at home:

  • Take over-the-counter pain medication (as directed).
  • Use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side.
  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

If symptoms worsen quickly—such as increased swelling, fever, or severe pain—call us immediately.

Looking for urgent care from a trusted dentist near West Palm Beach FL? We’re ready to help.

How Your Tooth Is Restored After Treatment

Following your root canal, your tooth may be structurally weaker. To protect it from damage, we’ll place a custom-fit crown designed to blend with your natural smile and restore full biting power.

Delaying treatment could lead to the infection spreading so far that extraction becomes the only option—requiring additional procedures like dental implants or bridges to restore your bite. Early intervention helps you save the tooth and avoid more complex care down the road.

Want to learn more about tooth replacement options? Explore our page on dental implants.

Don’t Wait—Get Relief from Dental Pain Today

Toothaches are never “normal.” They’re a clear signal that something needs attention. If you’re dealing with sudden or persistent pain, call Advanced Dental Group at (561) 689-0872. We provide urgent care, same-day appointments, and compassionate service tailored to your needs.

Let us help you get out of pain and back to smiling again.