What Should You Do When You Have a Toothache?

What Should You Do When You Have A Toothache?

A toothache can range from mild sensitivity to significant, persistent pain. While occasional sensitivity does not always indicate a serious dental problem, ongoing or worsening tooth pain should not be ignored.

At The Dentist Down the Lane, we evaluate toothaches to determine what is causing the discomfort and what treatment may be needed. We also provide same-day appointments for many dental emergencies when more immediate care is necessary.

TL;DR: What to Do About a Toothache

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Persistent, severe, or worsening tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist.
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Toothaches can result from decay, infection, damage, or other dental conditions.
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Pain accompanied by swelling or other significant symptoms may require more urgent attention.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can have many possible causes, from decay and damage to infection or other dental problems. Understanding when to seek care and having persistent or severe pain evaluated can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

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What Can Cause a Toothache?

There are many possible causes of dental pain. Tooth decay can cause sensitivity or discomfort as it progresses. A damaged or cracked tooth may hurt when biting or chewing. Infection involving the tooth or surrounding tissues can also produce significant pain. Because the symptoms can overlap, determining the cause generally requires a dental examination.

When Should You Call a Dentist?

Contact your dentist when pain persists, becomes more severe, interferes with normal activities, or repeatedly returns. You should also pay attention to other symptoms occurring with the toothache. Swelling, signs of infection, significant sensitivity, or visible damage can indicate that professional treatment is needed. Waiting for persistent pain to disappear on its own can allow some dental problems to become more extensive.

Is a Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

It can be. Severe pain, significant swelling, an abscess, infection, or dental trauma may require urgent evaluation. The Dentist Down the Lane offers same-day appointments for many dental emergencies and after-hours access through our voicemail system. If swelling is affecting breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care.

How Does a Dentist Determine What Is Causing the Pain?

We begin by discussing your symptoms and examining the affected tooth and surrounding areas. Depending on the situation, digital X-rays or other diagnostic information may be used to identify decay, infection, damage, or another potential cause. Once we understand what is causing the toothache, we can discuss appropriate treatment options.

Can a Painful Tooth Be Saved?

In many situations, a damaged or painful tooth can be restored. Depending on the cause and extent of the problem, treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal treatment, bonding, or another restorative procedure. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may need to be considered. We evaluate the condition of the tooth before recommending the appropriate approach.

Why Shouldn't You Ignore Recurring Tooth Pain?

Pain is often a sign that something has changed. Even if discomfort temporarily improves, the underlying dental condition may still be present. Having recurring pain evaluated can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is necessary. If you are experiencing a persistent or severe toothache, contacting us promptly gives us an opportunity to evaluate the problem and help determine your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs address common questions about tooth pain, including whether a toothache may go away, what can cause dental discomfort, and when symptoms may require urgent care.

Will a toothache go away on its own?

Some temporary sensitivity may improve, but persistent or recurring tooth pain should be evaluated to determine its cause.

Does every toothache mean you have a cavity?

No. Decay is one possible cause, but cracks, infection, damage, and other dental conditions can also cause tooth pain.

When is tooth pain an emergency?

Severe pain, significant swelling, an abscess, infection, or dental trauma may require urgent dental care. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical attention.