Experiencing a toothache

I have a toothache and I need it to stop

This is Dr. Winston Feng and I want to assure you that I know exactly how you feel. During my first year as a dentist I had trauma on my front tooth and it caused a throbbing toothache that was so bad that I couldn’t sleep. There was nothing I wanted more than for it to stop.  I couldn’t get in to see a dentist for several days since my dentist, aka Dr. Frank Feng was out of town. I don’t ever want my patients to feel as helpless as I did so here is some advice to get you through the pain.

If you are having pain please take 3 regular strength tablets of Ibuprofen (600 mg total) combined with 1 regular strength Tylenol (325 mg total) every 6 hours. If this does not help dull the pain, please seek immediate care.

Does cold packs and ice water help stop the pain?
Continue to suck on ice and seek care immediately, this is a sign of a late stage infection.

Is it a little sensitive to cold but stops within 4-5 seconds?
This is actually a good sign and means your tooth is still alive and can feel sensation. This just means that the nerves in your teeth are a bit unhappy at the moment.

Is it sensitive to light breeze or cold water sends chills down your spine?
You are most likely going to need a root canal.

It is sensitive to biting?
• Did you have a filling or work on in the past 3 months? If yes, then it may just need to be polished down.
• Did you bite on something hard in the past few weeks? This may cause your tooth to fracture and you should come in immediately.

Does it only hurt in the morning?
This may be due to teeth grinding. Sometimes muscle pain can feel like tooth pain.

Does the pain move?
If it moves to the opposite side of the mouth it could be a muscle issue.

Does your ear, neck, or back of head ache after eating?
Usually means there is a jaw joint dysfunction.

Schedule an appointment today so we can start getting you the help you need to feel better. We're here for you!