Tooth Pain & Toothaches: What to Do and When to Call
A toothache is your body telling you something needs attention. Here’s what the pain may mean, how to tell if it’s urgent, and how we help.
What you may be experiencing
Tooth pain can feel very different from person to person — and the type of pain is often a clue to the cause. You might feel a sharp jolt when you bite down, a lingering ache after something hot or cold, a constant dull throb, or pressure and tenderness in one area. Pain that wakes you at night or comes with swelling tends to be more serious.
Whatever it feels like, ongoing tooth pain usually doesn’t resolve on its own — it’s worth having checked before a small problem becomes a bigger, more expensive one.
Common causes
- A cavity or decay that has reached the sensitive inner layers of the tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- An infection or abscess at the root of the tooth
- A lost or leaking filling or crown
- Gum problems or an area where food is packing between teeth
- Teeth grinding or clenching, or (sometimes) sinus pressure mimicking tooth pain
Can it wait? A quick guide
Call us today
- Swelling of the face, cheek, or jaw
- Fever along with tooth pain
- Severe, constant throbbing that won’t settle
- A bad taste, pus, or a pimple-like bump on the gum (possible infection)
A regular appointment is fine
- Mild or occasional sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- A dull ache that comes and goes, with no swelling
- Discomfort only when chewing certain foods
Facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency — call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
What you can do right now
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to dislodge trapped food
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed — never place aspirin directly on the gum
How we help at Highmark Dental Care
- A focused exam and X-ray to find the exact source of the pain
- A filling, crown, or bonding to repair a decayed or damaged tooth
- If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment (which we coordinate with a trusted specialist) or extraction — whichever is right for you
- Antibiotics when there’s an active infection, and options to keep you comfortable
Cost & insurance
The right treatment — and its cost — depends on what we find during your exam, so we’ll always explain your options and the fees clearly before we begin anything. We accept many dental insurance plans and file your claims as a courtesy; any benefit estimate is exactly that — an estimate, and you’re responsible for what your plan doesn’t cover. We also accept cash, check, and major credit cards, with flexible payment arrangements available. See our Insurance page for the plans we accept — and we’re glad to help you understand your benefits before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a toothache a dental emergency?
Not always — but tooth pain with facial swelling, fever, or pus should be seen the same day, as it can signal an infection. Milder, occasional sensitivity can usually wait for a regular appointment. When in doubt, call us at (770) 478-1001.
How can I relieve tooth pain at home tonight?
Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove any trapped food, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. These are temporary measures — they don’t fix the cause, so still schedule a visit.
Will a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the pain fades, but that often means the nerve is dying rather than the problem healing. It’s best to have it evaluated even if the pain eases.
Not sure how urgent it is? Just call.
Our team will help you decide the right next step — and we keep time open for emergencies with same or next-day appointments when needed.