Tooth pain can be unbearable. When it strikes, it’s natural to start thinking about permanent solutions especially if the pain is intense, constant, or has returned after multiple treatments. One question many patients ask during a severe dental episode is: Should I just get a dental implant nowWhile implants are a long-term solution for damaged or missing teeth, they aren't always the immediate answer to a painful tooth. In this blog, we’ll explore when a dental implant is the right next step, what causes severe tooth pain, and when to see an emergency dentist in Reading for help.

What’s Causing the Severe Tooth Pain?

Before jumping into implant surgery, it's important to understand the source of the pain. Severe tooth pain may be caused by:

• Advanced decay
• Infection or abscess
• Cracked or fractured tooth
• Failed root canal treatment
• Gum disease
• Impacted wisdom teeth

In some cases, the pain may not be due to the tooth root at all, but rather to surrounding tissues or referred pain from another part of the mouth.

To accurately diagnose the issue, you need a comprehensive exam, including X-rays and possibly 3D imaging, from an experienced emergency dentist in Reading.

When Is a Dental Implant the Right Solution?

A dental implant replaces the entire structure of a natural tooth, including the root. This makes it an excellent long-term option but it's not always the first choice during an emergency.

A dental implant may be the right choice if:

• The tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved
• The tooth is fractured below the gum line
• Previous treatments (fillings, crowns, root canal) have failed
• Infection has destroyed surrounding bone or tissue
• The tooth has already been extracted or has fallen out

In these cases, a dental implant offers a stable, permanent solution that looks and feels like a natural tooth.

When Should You Wait Before Getting an Implant?

Even if you ultimately need an implant, timing matters. If your mouth is currently inflamed, infected, or healing from trauma, placing an implant immediately may not be advisable.

You may need to:

• Complete a course of antibiotics
• Allow swelling or infection to subside
• Undergo tooth extraction before placement
• Let bone tissue heal and rebuild

A dentist might place a temporary solution or plan for a delayed implant after healing. Your dental implant Reading provider will evaluate these factors during your visit.

What If the Tooth Can Be Saved?

In some cases, the tooth may still be salvageable. Treatments that could relieve the pain without removing the tooth include:

• Root canal therapy (if the pulp is infected)
• Dental crown (for cracked or weakened teeth)
• Deep cleaning (for gum infections or abscesses)
• Filling or bonding (for surface-level decay or damage)

If your goal is to avoid extraction, your emergency dentist will assess the likelihood of saving the tooth and how long it may last with proper care.

Tooth Extraction vs. Implant: Making the Right Choice

Can You Get an Implant the Same Day?

Yes, in certain situations, same-day dental implants are possible. This is especially true if:

• The damaged tooth needs extraction
• There is no active infection
• Bone density is sufficient
• The surrounding tissue is healthy

Your dentist may extract the tooth and place an implant post during the same appointment. A temporary crown is often placed until the implant integrates with the bone.

If you qualify, this option reduces the number of visits and minimizes time without a functional tooth.

Pain Management Until You Decide

If you’re in intense pain but need time to decide on your treatment plan, there are short-term solutions your dentist can offer:

• Emergency root canal or pulpotomy to remove the infected nerve
• Temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth
• Drainage of an abscess to relieve pressure
• Pain relief medications and antibiotics

These steps buy time while you consider a long-term option like a dental implant Reading.

What to Expect from the Implant Process

If you and your dentist agree that an implant is the best next step, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation

Your dentist examines your teeth and bone structure using scans to determine if you’re a candidate.

2. Tooth Extraction (if needed)

If the painful tooth is still present, it’s gently removed.

3. Implant Placement

A titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. If bone is insufficient, grafting may be done.

4. Healing Period

You’ll need 3–6 months for osseointegration (bone fusing with the implant). During this time, you may have a temporary tooth.

5. Final Crown

Once healing is complete, a custom-made crown is attached to the post, completing the restoration.

When to See an Emergency Dentist in Reading

Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. If your tooth hurts severely or the discomfort persists for more than 24 hours, seek help immediately. Signs that you need urgent care include:

• Throbbing pain that won’t subside
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Fever or foul taste in the mouth
• Sensitivity to pressure or temperature
• Cracked or loose teeth

An emergency dentist in Reading can quickly evaluate the situation and help you decide on the best course of action whether that means saving the tooth or replacing it with an implant.

Conclusion

Severe tooth pain can make you desperate for a fast and permanent fix but jumping straight to a dental implant isn’t always the answer. You need a thorough evaluation to understand whether the tooth can be saved or if replacing it is the best option. The good news is that with modern techniques and support from an emergency dentist in Reading, you can get fast relief and a clear plan forward.If an implant turns out to be the right choice, choosing a trusted provider for your dental implant Reading procedure will help ensure lasting results.For urgent care, expert advice, and advanced implant solutions, you can count on EDR your partner in pain relief and permanent smile restoration.