My Tooth Hurts, but I Can Still Function. Is It an Emergency?

August 14, 2026
|
Posted By: Dr Amir Kiaee

You’re out to dinner with friends, but you can’t enjoy your meal because of the throbbing toothache that seems to be getting worse instead of better. Or when you bite down, you feel that unpleasant twinge that doesn’t go away.

Unfortunately, when your tooth hurts, even if you can still function, it often indicates a dental issue that needs to be addressed.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

At Lumino Smiles, we regularly treat dental emergencies in our Pascoe Vale clinic. Our goal is to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.

Some of the most common emergencies we treat include the following:

 

  • Knocked-out tooth — Time is critical if your tooth gets completely knocked out.
  • Severe toothache — For severe tooth pain, it’s essential to book a visit right away.
  • Broken or cracked tooth — To avoid bacteria entering the area, contact our clinic.
  • Abscess or severe infection — An abscessed tooth can affect your oral and overall health.
  • Lost or broken restoration — Even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s best to address this common concern.
  • Uncontrolled bleeding — If your gums, tongue or cheek sustain an injury, an emergency dentist in Pascoe Vale can help.

Should I Call the Dentist?

You may feel foolish for contacting your dental clinic about minor tooth pain, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your oral health.

Here are some of the signs of a serious tooth problem:

  • Throbbing, constant pain that doesn’t stop
  • A swollen jaw or extremely swollen gums
  • Fever or chills associated with tooth pain
  • A bad taste in your mouth or pus around your sore tooth

Here are the signs of a less urgent dental issue:

  • Mild sensitivity when you eat or drink something hot or cold
  • Sore gums from something stuck between your teeth

Need an Emergency Dentist in Pascoe Vale, VIC?

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, we encourage you to contact our dental clinic to book an appointment. Ignoring signs of dental issues could lead to more extensive, costly treatment, so please feel free to call us on (03) 8338 4665 to arrange a visit.

Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we hope to hear from you soon.