Emergency Services
Toothache Relief
Tooth pain is a signal that something needs attention. Our team can assess the cause and recommend care to help relieve your pain and treat the underlying problem.
Common causes of a toothache
A toothache can range from mild sensitivity to a constant, throbbing ache. Some of the more common causes include:
- Tooth decay that has reached the deeper layers of the tooth
- Inflammation or infection of the nerve inside the tooth
- A dental abscess, which may come with swelling or a bad taste
- A cracked tooth or a damaged or lost filling
- Gum disease or irritation around a partly erupted wisdom tooth
- Clenching or grinding, which can make teeth sore
Tooth pain can also come from the sinuses or jaw joint. Only an exam can confirm the cause of your pain.
What you can do at home
Until you can be seen, rinsing with warm salt water, gently flossing to remove trapped food, and applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek may help. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help some people, if they are safe for you, taken as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum, as this can burn the tissue.
Home care may ease symptoms for a while, but it does not treat the cause. A toothache that fades can still need attention, because a nerve that has stopped hurting may have been damaged.
How we assess tooth pain
At your visit, your dentist works to find out where the pain is coming from:
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Your symptoms
We ask what the pain feels like, how long it lasts, and what triggers it, such as hot, cold, biting or lying down.
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Examination
Your dentist checks the tooth and surrounding gums, and may gently test how the tooth responds to cold or tapping.
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X-rays
X-rays can help show decay, infection at the root, or bone changes that are not visible during the exam.
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Recommendation
Your dentist explains the likely cause and your treatment options before any treatment begins.
Possible treatments
Treatment depends on what is causing the pain. A cavity may be repaired with a filling. If the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended to try to save the tooth. When a tooth cannot be restored, an extraction may be discussed. In some cases your dentist may prescribe medication as part of your care.
If the pain is related to gum problems or grinding, your dentist may recommend a different approach. Your dentist will discuss the options that suit your situation.
When to call right away
Call 780-944-2828 promptly if your pain is severe, keeps you awake, or comes with swelling, fever or a bad taste. If swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Emergency Services
Is a toothache keeping you up at night?
Call 780-944-2828 or book an appointment online.