Toothache
A toothache can range from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing pain. It often points to decay, a crack, a loose filling, or an infection. Prompt care can relieve the pain and help protect the tooth.
What patients ask us
What should I do for a toothache right now?
Rinse gently with warm water, floss to remove trapped food, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Put a cold compress on your cheek if it is swollen and avoid very hot or cold foods. Then call Chi Family Dental at (281) 778-9261 for a same-day visit.
How soon should I see a dentist for a toothache?
Call the same day if the pain is severe, keeps you awake, or comes with swelling or fever. Milder pain that lasts more than a day or two also deserves an exam. We keep same-day openings for urgent tooth pain at our Missouri City office.
Is a toothache always a cavity?
No. A toothache can come from decay, a cracked tooth, a loose filling, receding gums, sinus pressure, or an infection inside the tooth. That is why we examine and image the tooth before recommending treatment, so you are not paying for work the tooth does not need.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the sharp pain settles, but the cause rarely does. An infected or cracked tooth usually returns with worse pain or an abscess. Treating it early is simpler and cheaper than waiting, so call us at (281) 778-9261 if pain lasts more than a day or two.
What to do right now
- 1Rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean.
- 2Use dental floss to remove any food that may be trapped between teeth.
- 3Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there is swelling.
- 4Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package.
- 5Call us as soon as possible so we can find the cause and treat it.
When to call us
Call right away if the pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, comes with swelling or fever, or hurts when you bite. These can be signs of infection that need prompt attention.
Call (281) 778-9261This is general educational guidance, not a diagnosis. Please call our office so we can assess your situation and recommend the right care.
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