Toothache Treatment in Midvale, UT
A toothache can range from a dull, occasional ache to sharp, throbbing pain that keeps you up at night. Tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. At Focus Dental Group, our dentists find the source of your toothache and treat the underlying problem – not just the symptoms – so you can get lasting relief.
Request an AppointmentCommon Causes of Toothaches
- Tooth decay that has reached the inner layers of the tooth
- A tooth infection or abscess
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Loose or damaged fillings and crowns
- Gum disease or gum irritation
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth
Symptoms That Need Prompt Attention
Call our office if your toothache lasts more than a day or two, or if you notice:
- Throbbing or constant pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- Fever or a bad taste in your mouth
Severe pain or swelling is a dental emergency. Our emergency dentistry team works to see patients as quickly as possible.
How We Treat Toothaches
Your visit begins with an exam and X-rays to find the cause. Depending on what we find, treatment may include:
- A filling to repair a cavity, often placed gently with our WaterLase iPlus laser
- Root canal treatment to remove infection and save the tooth
- A dental crown to protect a cracked or weakened tooth
- Gum treatment for inflammation or infection
- Extraction and replacement with a dental implant if a tooth can’t be saved
Relieving Tooth Pain Until Your Visit
Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove trapped food, apply a cold compress to your cheek, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on your gums, and avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods.
Preventing Toothaches
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, limiting sugary snacks, wearing a mouthguard for sports, and visiting us for regular checkups and cleanings are the best ways to prevent tooth pain.
Learn more about the dental conditions we treat, or call Focus Dental Group at (801) 255-7101 to schedule an appointment at 6770 S 900 E, Suite 301, Midvale, UT 84047.
Toothache FAQs
What causes a toothache?
Common causes include tooth decay, infection, cracked teeth, damaged fillings, gum disease, and teeth grinding.
When is a toothache an emergency?
Severe pain, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, or pain after an injury should be treated as a dental emergency.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Pain may come and go, but the underlying problem usually remains and can get worse. It’s best to have it examined.
What can I do for a toothache at home?
Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently, use a cold compress, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed until you can see a dentist.
Will I need a root canal for a toothache?
Not always. A root canal is needed when the pulp inside the tooth is infected or inflamed. Many toothaches are treated with a filling or crown.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?
Pain when biting may be caused by a crack, decay, a high filling, or infection. An exam will identify the cause.
How can I prevent toothaches?
Brush and floss daily, limit sugar, wear a mouthguard during sports, and keep up with six-month checkups.