Toothache Treatment In Lethbridge

LET'S TALK ABOUT TOOTH PAIN

Tooth Pain Can Mean Something is Wrong

Some toothaches come on suddenly. Others build slowly over time.

For some patients, the pain feels dull and annoying at first. For others, it becomes sharp, throbbing, or difficult to ignore. Pain while chewing, sensitivity to cold drinks, swelling, or pressure in the jaw can all point to something happening beneath the surface of the tooth. Even mild tooth pain should not be ignored for long.

Tooth Pain? We’re Here to Help.

A toothache can make even the simplest things uncomfortable, from enjoying a meal to getting a good night’s sleep. If something doesn’t feel right, give our Lethbridge dental team a call. We’ll listen to what’s going on, answer your questions, and help you explore appointment options.

Call 403-327-7227 | Book an Appointment

When Ice Cream Suddenly Hurts

Hot and cold sensitivity is one of the most common reasons patients book dental appointments.

Sometimes sensitivity happens because enamel has worn down or gums have receded slightly over time. In other cases, it can be connected to tooth decay, inflammation, cracked teeth, or irritation affecting the nerve inside the tooth.

Some patients notice sensitivity once in a while. Others suddenly cannot drink cold water comfortably anymore.

That usually means it is time to have things looked at.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

Pain while chewing or biting down can happen for several different reasons. A cracked tooth, inflammation around the tooth, infection, grinding, or pressure affecting the nerve can all create discomfort when force is placed on the tooth.

Sometimes the pain feels obvious. Other times patients have trouble figuring out which tooth is actually causing the problem. That is pretty common.

What Causes Sudden Tooth Pain?

Sudden tooth pain can happen unexpectedly, even when a tooth seemed completely fine beforehand.

Common causes include decay, infections, cracked teeth, damaged fillings, grinding or clenching during sleep, gum inflammation, or pressure affecting the nerve of the tooth. Wisdom teeth can also create pressure, swelling, and pain that feels similar to a tooth infection.

Looking for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Tooth pain also has a way of showing up at the worst possible times. Long weekends. Cold winter mornings. Before vacations. During harvest season. Right before important events.

When Tooth Pain Starts Feeling More Serious

Some toothaches are mild and temporary. Others should be evaluated quickly. Pain that keeps you awake at night, causes swelling, spreads into the jaw or face, or makes it difficult to chew comfortably may require urgent dental care. Signs of infection such as swelling, pressure, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth should also be taken seriously. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent treatment, our team can help guide you.

Severe Tooth Pain, Swelling or Fever?

We know how worrying it can be when tooth pain suddenly becomes more intense, especially when there’s swelling or you’re not feeling well.

These symptoms can sometimes point to an infection that needs prompt attention. Please call our Lethbridge clinic and let us know what you’re experiencing. Our team can help you understand the next steps for getting dental care. You can also learn more about our emergency dental care in Lethbridge.

Call 403-327-7227 | Book an Appointment

Important: If swelling is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

What Can I Do for a Toothache Until My Appointment?

When your tooth is hurting, finding a little relief can make a big difference. Until you’re able to see a dentist, there are a few simple things you can try at home to help manage the discomfort.

Rinse with warm salt water.

Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth. This may help soothe irritated gums and keep the area clean.

Try a cold compress.

If your cheek feels sore or swollen, gently hold a cold pack wrapped in a towel against the outside of your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

Consider an over-the-counter pain reliever.

If it’s safe for you to take one, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help manage discomfort until your appointment. Follow the package directions, and speak with a pharmacist if you’re unsure whether a medication is appropriate for you.

Be mindful of what you eat and drink.

Hot coffee, ice-cold drinks, sweets, and crunchy foods can sometimes make an already sensitive tooth hurt more. Softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth may help.

Keep brushing and flossing gently.

It can be tempting to avoid a sore area altogether, but keeping your mouth clean is still important. Brush carefully and gently remove any food that may be caught between your teeth. One thing to avoid: Never place aspirin or other pain medications directly against a sore tooth or your gums. Doing so can damage the surrounding tissue.

These suggestions may offer temporary relief, but they won’t treat the underlying cause of a toothache. If your pain is getting worse, or you develop swelling or a fever, please contact our dental team promptly.

Can A Tooth Infection Go Away On Its Own?

In most situations, dental infections do not completely resolve without treatment. Symptoms may improve temporarily and then return later, sometimes becoming more painful or more serious over time.

Because infections can spread into surrounding tissue and other areas of the body, ongoing swelling or severe tooth pain should not be ignored.

Tooth Pain Can Sometimes Be Related To Cracks

Some cracked teeth cause constant discomfort. Others barely hurt at all. That is part of what makes them tricky. Pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature, or sharp discomfort that comes and goes can sometimes point to a cracked or damaged tooth.

Dealing with a Broken Or Cracked Tooth?

How Do Dentists Treat a Toothache?

The right treatment depends on what’s causing your pain. Sometimes a simple filling is all that’s needed. Other times, the tooth may need a little more attention.

At Lethbridge Dental Services South, we’ll start by examining the area and figuring out where the discomfort is coming from. Once we understand the problem, we’ll walk you through your options and answer any questions before moving ahead with treatment.

Dental Fillings

If a cavity is behind your toothache, a filling may be all you need. Your dentist removes the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and restores it with a filling. Treating cavities early can often prevent more extensive dental work later.

Learn more about our general dentistry services.

Root Canal Treatment

We understand that hearing you might need a root canal can make you nervous. But the purpose of this treatment is to address infection or damage inside the tooth and, whenever possible, help you keep your natural tooth.

Your dentist removes the affected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. Root canal treatment can help relieve pain by treating its underlying cause.

Learn more about root canal treatment in Lethbridge.

Dental Crowns

If a tooth is cracked, weakened, or has lost a significant amount of its natural structure, a dental crown may be recommended.

A crown fits over the tooth to help protect it and restore its function. It’s often an option when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide.

Read more about broken or cracked tooth treatment.

Tooth Extractions

We always want patients to understand their options for keeping their natural teeth. However, there are situations where a tooth is too damaged to repair, or removing a problematic wisdom tooth may be the healthiest choice.

If an extraction is recommended, we’ll explain why, discuss how the procedure works, and go over what to expect during recovery. If the tooth needs to be replaced, we can talk about those options too.

Learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and our dental surgery services.

A Little Nervous About Dental Treatment?

That’s completely understandable, especially if you’re already dealing with pain.

If you’re feeling anxious about your appointment, please tell us. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing anything that’s worrying you.

Our clinic offers sedation services for eligible patients, and we’re always happy to talk about ways to make your visit more comfortable.

You can also read more about how we help patients with dental anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sudden tooth pain?

Sudden tooth pain can happen for several reasons including tooth decay, infection, cracked teeth, grinding, gum inflammation, or nerve irritation inside the tooth. Wisdom teeth can also create pressure and pain unexpectedly.

When is tooth pain an emergency?

Tooth pain may require urgent treatment if it becomes severe, causes swelling, keeps you awake at night, spreads into the jaw or face, or is accompanied by fever or pressure from infection.

Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

Usually not. Symptoms may temporarily improve, but infections often return and can become more serious over time if the underlying problem is not treated.

Why does my tooth hurt when I chew?

Pain while chewing can sometimes point to cracked teeth, infection, inflammation, grinding, or irritation involving the nerve of the tooth.

How Long Can a Toothache Last?

It really depends on what’s causing the pain. Sometimes mild sensitivity settles down after a day or two. But if the discomfort is coming from a cavity, cracked tooth, or infection, it may continue or come and go.

Even if the pain suddenly disappears, that doesn’t always mean the problem has gone away. If your tooth has been bothering you for more than a day or two, keeps hurting, or is becoming more sensitive, it’s a good idea to have a dentist take a look. Severe pain, swelling, or fever should be assessed promptly.