Emergency Dentistry
I Have a Toothache. What Should I Do?
Tooth pain that comes and goes can still be a sign of decay, cracks, nerve inflammation, bite trauma, gum problems, or infection.
Short Answer
Call Elm Ridge if a toothache repeats, lingers, wakes you up, hurts to bite, or comes with swelling or fever. Do not put aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
My tooth hurts. What should I do right now?
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on the painful side, and call. If you can take over-the-counter pain medicine safely, follow the label or your physician guidance.
Can this wait?
Brief sensitivity that disappears quickly may not be an emergency, but pain that lingers, pulses, wakes you up, or comes with swelling should be evaluated soon.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER for severe swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, or any medical emergency.
What can Elm Ridge do?
Elm Ridge can diagnose the source, take X-rays, test the tooth, and discuss fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, gum care, or referral depending on the cause.
What might the treatment involve?
A toothache may need a filling, crown, root canal, extraction, periodontal treatment, bite adjustment, medication, or no treatment beyond monitoring if the tooth tests healthy.
Will insurance apply?
Emergency visits may involve an exam, X-rays, same-day treatment, or a staged plan. We can estimate benefits, but final payment is determined by the insurance company.
Common Next Questions
Root canals
When tooth pain comes from an inflamed or infected nerve.
Molar root canals
How Elm Ridge handles many back-tooth root canals.
Dental abscess
What to know if pain comes with swelling.
Related Services
Emergency FAQ
Should I put aspirin on my tooth?
No. Aspirin can burn the gum tissue and does not treat the cause of the toothache.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Pain can fade temporarily even when the underlying problem remains, so recurring or lingering pain should be evaluated.
When is tooth pain an emergency?
Swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, uncontrolled pain, or trauma should be treated urgently.
Call first for urgent dental problems
Same-day care is offered when the schedule allows, but calling is the best way to get triaged.