Toothache That Won't Quit? Let's Find Out Why
Tooth pain is your body telling you something needs attention. Call us first thing and we will make a plan for your emergency. We prioritize patients in pain.
What to do right now
These steps can ease the pain while you get in touch with us. They are first aid, not a fix; a toothache almost always has an underlying cause that needs treatment.
- 1
Rinse with warm salt water
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish gently. It cleans the area and can calm irritated gums around the sore tooth.
- 2
Floss gently around the tooth
A trapped popcorn hull or piece of food can cause surprising pain. Floss carefully on both sides of the tooth to rule out something simple.
- 3
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, used exactly as the label directs, can take the edge off. Never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums; it burns the tissue.
- 4
Use a cold compress for swelling
Hold a cold pack against the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Avoid heat, which can make an infection feel worse.
- 5
Call us first thing
A toothache that wakes you at night, lingers after hot or cold, or throbs on its own usually will not fix itself. Call us and we will make a plan for your emergency.
Call (603) 924-3664
How we stop the pain
We find the real cause
A focused exam and an X-ray tell us whether the pain comes from a cavity, a crack, gum infection, a failing filling, or something pressing on the nerve. No guessing, no treating the wrong thing.
We get you out of pain
Once we know the cause, we numb the area, treat any infection, and calm the tooth down. If dental visits make you anxious, nitrous oxide and minimal oral sedation are available to keep you comfortable.
We fix it so it stays fixed
Fillings, crowns, and extractions all happen right here in our office. If the nerve is involved and a root canal is needed, we coordinate promptly with trusted specialists and handle the crown afterward ourselves.
When to go to the ER instead
Most toothaches belong in a dental chair, but a few situations are medical emergencies. Go to the emergency room or call 911 first if you have:
- Facial or neck swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
- A high fever along with the tooth pain
- Bleeding you cannot control with pressure
- Trauma to the face with a possible jaw fracture
Once you are medically stable, call us and we will take over the dental side of your care.
Don't wait out a toothache
Pain that fades for a few days often comes back worse. Call our Grove Street office and we will make a plan to find the cause and fix it.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted