Home > Dental Services Blog > At What Point Do I Need to See the Dentist About a Toothache?

toothacheToothache pain varies, depending on what is causing it. It may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. Some pain is only experienced when pressure is applied to it or when the tooth comes into contact with something cold or hot.

Toothache pain can be caused by a number of different things, such as tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling, a result of teeth grinding, or infected gums. You likely won’t know the cause of your tooth pain until you have your dentist examine your teeth.

So at what point do you go in to visit the dentist about your toothache? Some toothache pain can wait until your next appointment as long as you don’t mind dealing with the pain. However, you should call in to see your dentist right away if your toothache is severe, lasts more than 1 or 2 days, or you have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide. Other signs to see a dentist are difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if you experience swelling around the affected tooth.

Treatment for your toothache will depend on what is causing the pain. If it’s a cavity causing the pain, your dentist will likely fill the cavity or pull the tooth, depending on the severity of the cavity. If the tooth’s nerve has been damaged, you may have to get a root canal. Your dentist will be able to determine how best to fix your toothache upon examination. It’s always a good idea to seek help soon than later. The longer you wait to get a tooth fixed, the more the tooth will deteriorate, causing more pain and probably more expense to fix it.

If you are experiencing a toothache, come visit us today and let us relieve your pain.