See a dentist soon for any tooth pain that lasts, returns or wakes you up. Get urgent care the same day for swelling, fever, a bad taste or pus, or pain that medicine does not control. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling near the eye or neck, needs emergency medical care. Tooth pain rarely goes away because the problem has gone away.
You do not need to know which tooth is hurting or why before you call. Describe what you feel, and the dentist will examine it.
How urgent is your tooth pain?
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Trouble breathing or swallowing; swelling spreading to the eye or neck | Emergency medical care now. Call 911 for breathing difficulty. |
| Facial swelling, fever, pus or a bad taste, severe or constant pain | Urgent dental care today. See tooth infection treatment. |
| Pain after an injury, or a broken or loose tooth | Urgent dental care. See chipped and broken tooth care. |
| Throbbing pain, or pain that wakes you at night | Prompt appointment. See toothache at night. |
| Brief sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet | Book the next suitable appointment. See sensitivity versus a toothache. |
The NHS toothache guidance gives similar advice about when tooth pain needs a dentist and when swelling needs urgent help. These are starting points, not a self-diagnosis.
Common causes of tooth pain
- Decay. A cavity that reaches the inner layers of the tooth can cause pain and eventually infection. The NIDCR explains how tooth decay progresses.
- A crack or broken filling. Pain when biting or with temperature changes can come from a crack that is hard to see.
- Infection or abscess. Constant, throbbing pain with swelling or a bad taste suggests infection. Read about the difference between a tooth and gum abscess.
- Gum problems. Swollen, sore or bleeding gums around one tooth should be examined. See when swelling around one tooth needs checking.
- A wisdom tooth. A partly erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria under the gum. See infected wisdom tooth or pericoronitis.
- A crown or old restoration. Pain under a crown can mean decay beneath it, a high bite or a problem with the nerve. A dentist needs to check it.
Pain in the jaw or face can sometimes come from outside the teeth, which is another reason to have it examined rather than guess.
What you can do until your appointment
- Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore tooth.
- Avoid whatever triggers the pain, such as very cold drinks or sweets.
- Keep brushing gently and clean between teeth around the area.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling.
- Take pain medicine only as the label directs and as is safe for you. The ADA acute dental pain guideline supports over-the-counter options for short-term relief. Do not put aspirin on the tooth or gum, and do not try to drain a swelling.
Pain relief is a bridge to treatment, not treatment itself. If the pain eases, still book the visit.
What the dentist will do
You will be asked when the pain began, what triggers it and whether there is swelling. The dentist examines the tooth and gums, often tests how the tooth reacts to temperature or biting, and usually takes an X-ray. Then the findings and the options are explained.
Treatment can be as simple as a filling, or may include a crown, root canal treatment, or extraction if a tooth cannot be saved. Antibiotics are sometimes used when an infection has spread, but they do not replace treating the cause in the tooth. Ask your dentist which option is recommended and why.
What happens if you wait
Pain can ease for a while even though the cause is still there. A cavity can grow, a crack can spread and an infection can develop. Earlier treatment is often simpler. That is not a reason to panic, only a reason to book the appointment rather than waiting to see if the pain disappears.
Get your tooth pain checked in Houston
URBN Dental offers same-day emergency appointments at Houston-area locations, with walk-ins welcome and Saturday availability. Because hours vary, pick a location and call to confirm the earliest visit. If it is not urgent you can book online. For help on a weekend, read about weekend dental emergencies.
If cost is a concern, ask about PPO insurance benefits, look at financing, and read our emergency dental cost guide.
Tooth pain questions
Should I wait to see if the pain goes away?
If it is mild and brief, watch it closely and book an appointment. If it is strong, lasts more than a day or two, or comes with swelling or fever, do not wait.
Can swollen glands come with a toothache?
They can, because the body reacts to an infection. Swollen glands together with tooth pain, fever or facial swelling are a reason to contact a dentist promptly.
Is it an emergency if the pain stopped suddenly?
Not necessarily, but sudden relief after severe pain can happen when the nerve inside the tooth has died, and the infection may still be there. Get it examined.
General education only. A dental professional must examine you to diagnose the cause of your pain.
