When Pain Won’t Wait: Getting Relief for a Troubling Tooth
Tooth pain can come on slowly or hit you all at once—but when it’s severe, it can stop everything. It’s more than just an inconvenience. It can interfere with eating, sleeping, and even thinking clearly. If you’re dealing with unbearable tooth pain, what to do might not feel obvious in the moment. That’s where knowing your options, including the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist, really matters.
What Causes Intense Tooth Pain?
Severe tooth pain often means something serious is happening beneath the surface. It could be caused by a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or gum infection. Most commonly, it’s an infected tooth nerve or abscess. Pain like this doesn’t usually go away on its own. It’s your body’s way of signaling that urgent attention is needed.
Unbearable Tooth Pain: What to Do at Home First
If you can’t get to the dentist right away, there are a few things you can try at home to manage the pain temporarily. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and clean the area. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to ease discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and numb the pain. But keep in mind, these are only temporary fixes. The real solution is seeing a dental professional as soon as possible.
When Emergency Dental Care Is Needed
Some signs mean you shouldn’t wait for a regular appointment. If your pain is sharp, throbbing, or radiating to your jaw or ear, it could be a sign of a serious infection. Swelling in your face or neck, fever, or difficulty swallowing are also red flags. These symptoms mean it’s time to call for emergency dental care.
At Hackley DDS, our team offers same-day emergency appointments when possible. During emergency care, we’ll examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and work quickly to reduce pain and treat the root cause. Sometimes that means a filling or crown—but in more severe cases, it might mean a root canal.
Unbearable Tooth Pain What to Do: Dentist vs. Endodontist
Not sure who to call first? Many people don’t know the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist. A general dentist handles most routine care—cleanings, fillings, crowns, and some root canals. But when the issue runs deep, your dentist might refer you to an endodontist.
An endodontist specializes in treating problems that involve the inside of the tooth—especially the tooth pulp and nerves. If you need a root canal or treatment for a tooth that has suffered trauma, an endodontist can offer more advanced tools and techniques. For severe cases, seeing an endodontist may lead to faster relief and better outcomes.
Preventing Future Tooth Pain
While not all toothaches are preventable, many are. Regular brushing and flossing, along with twice-yearly dental checkups, are your best line of defense. Limit sugary foods and drinks, wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, and don’t ignore small aches—they can become big problems quickly.
If you’ve had a filling or crown come loose, or if a tooth feels more sensitive than usual, call your dentist before it becomes an emergency.
Find Relief with Hackley DDS
Tooth pain doesn’t have to control your day. The team at Hackley DDS is here to provide compassionate care and expert treatment when you need it most. We’re ready to guide you from pain to relief, whether it’s a routine fix or something more complex.
If you’re suffering from unbearable tooth pain, don’t wait another minute—contact us and get the care you deserve.