What Causes a Toothache?
A toothache is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. The pain can range from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. While occasional mild sensitivity may not require urgent attention, a toothache that is severe, worsening, or accompanied by swelling is a signal that something is wrong inside the tooth or surrounding tissues and needs professional evaluation.
Toothache Relief: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 urgent visit, then definitive care |
| Time needed | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| How soon | Same day for severe pain or swelling |
| Relief | Usually at the first visit |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
When a Toothache Needs Urgent Care
A toothache is a symptom with many possible causes, from a cavity to a sinus infection. The character of the pain is a strong clue to what is happening inside the tooth.
- Pain that lasts more than a day or two
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Pain with swelling, fever or a bad taste
- Lingering pain after hot or cold
- Pain when you bite
Toothache Relief at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, the dental team takes a systematic approach to diagnosing toothaches. The evaluation includes a clinical examination, digital imaging, and targeted testing to identify the source and cause of the pain. Toothaches can be caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, an infected nerve, gum disease, or an abscess, and each cause requires a different treatment response. Accurate diagnosis is the critical first step in providing effective relief.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Call. We ask about the pain and arrange an appointment.
- Tests. Cold, tapping and bite tests locate the tooth.
- X-ray. Decay, infection or cracks are identified.
- Diagnosis. The cause is explained.
- Relief. Treatment to stop the pain is started at once.
- Follow-up. Definitive care is planned.
Common causes of toothache
| Cause | Typical pain | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity | Sensitivity to sweets and cold | Filling |
| Inflamed or infected pulp | Lingering or throbbing pain | Root canal therapy |
| Abscess | Throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste | Drainage, then root canal or extraction |
| Cracked tooth | Sharp pain on biting | Crown, with a root canal if needed |
| Gum infection | A sore, swollen gum | Cleaning and gum treatment |
| Sinus pressure | Dull ache in several upper teeth | Medical treatment |
A toothache is the tooth asking for help. Painkillers quiet the request without answering it.
What to Do Now and After Treatment
Looking after yourself
Before you reach us
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack
- Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently around the tooth
- Do not place aspirin on the gum, and avoid very hot or cold foods
After your emergency visit
- Finish treatment even if the pain stops
- Take any prescribed medication as directed
- Keep the follow-up appointment
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Your face or jaw swells
- You have a fever
- You have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth
Treatment Matched to the Cause
Treatment is matched to the underlying cause. Decay is treated with a filling or crown depending on severity. An infected nerve may require root canal therapy to remove the compromised tissue and eliminate the pain. If an abscess is present, it is drained and treated to control the infection. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an emergency extraction may be necessary. The goal in every case is to identify the problem accurately, relieve the pain promptly, and set the patient on a path to definitive resolution.
Cost and Insurance
An emergency visit has two parts: the visit that stops the pain or infection, and the treatment that fixes the cause. You are told the fee for each before it is carried out.
What affects the cost
- The examination and X-rays needed to find the cause
- The treatment given at the emergency visit
- The definitive treatment that follows, such as a root canal, crown or extraction
- Medication, if prescribed
Most dental plans contribute to emergency examinations and to the treatment that follows. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
