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Toothache

What to do next?

TOOTHACHE CAN STRIKE AT ANY TIME…BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT?

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR TOOTHACHE IS SERIOUS?

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Sometimes food can be lodged under the gum line and can cause localised inflammation which can cause sensitivity and mild toothache in some circumstances. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth.

SWELLING

If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Do not put aspirin directly on your aching tooth or gums as it may burn and damage the gum tissue. For quick relief, ask your dentist or pharmacist about any over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible.

WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST?

The reality is that the body uses pain to tell the brain that something is not entirely as it should be. There are several reasons why a toothache can occur. When checked early, most of the treatment that is required is often mild in order to get your tooth health back on track.

WILL THE TOOTHACHE GO AWAY?

Leaving a toothache places the overall tooth at a higher risk of infection, and potentially the death of the nerve of the tooth itself. The issue is that when the nerve of the tooth is involved, nerve death can occur and result in an initial decrease in pain (because the nerve is dying – not good!). At this point, people often think ‘Great, it’s gone away’. However, it is vital to seek treatment to try to save the tooth before it is potentially too late.

Information provided here is for education and research information only and subject to the Disclaimer

POTENTIAL ISSUES RESULTING FROM WORN TEETH CAN INCLUDE:

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY

CRACKING OR CHIPPING OF TEETH

NERVE PAIN

JAW PAIN

HEADACHES

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR A TOOTHACHE?

Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin directly on your aching tooth or gums as it may burn and damage the gum tissue. For quick relief, ask your dentist or pharmacist about any over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR A TOOTHACHE?

When you have an appointment for a toothache at our Malvern-based clinic, here’s an overview of what could happen during an appointment:

  1. PATIENT HISTORY AND EXAMINATION:

    When you visit Victorian Dental Group for a toothache, the dentist or dental professional will begin by gathering information about your dental and medical history. They will then conduct a thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding area to determine the cause of the toothache.

  2. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:

    The dentist will work to identify the underlying cause of the toothache. Common causes may include tooth decay, dental abscess, gum infection, tooth fracture, or impacted wisdom teeth. The dentist will explain the findings to you and discuss the recommended treatment options. In some cases, the dentist may perform additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the toothache further. This may include taking dental X-rays to assess the tooth’s structure, checking for signs of decay or infection, or using other diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of the pain.

  3. PAIN ASSESSMENT AND RELIEF:

    The dentist will assess the severity and nature of your toothache to determine the appropriate pain relief measures. This may involve providing local anesthesia to numb the area or prescribing pain medication to alleviate discomfort.

  4. TREATMENT OPTIONS:

    Based on the diagnosis, the dentist will discuss the available treatment options with you. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the toothache and the extent of the problem. Whilst your practitioner will make every effort to restore your tooth at the time of your appointment, this may not be possible as the treatment option may require additional time. Possible treatment options for a toothache may include:

    • Tooth Filling or Restoration: If tooth decay or a cavity is causing the toothache, the dentist may recommend removing the decayed portion and placing a dental filling or restoration to restore the tooth’s structure and function.

    • Root Canal Therapy: If the toothache is caused by an infected or inflamed dental pulp, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy. This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it with a filling material. This is often carried out over several appointments.

    • Tooth Extraction: In cases where the tooth is extensively damaged, decayed beyond repair, or impacted, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction. The extraction can provide immediate relief from the toothache and prevent further complications.

    • Antibiotics and Medications: If the toothache is due to an infection or abscess, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection. They may also prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the discomfort.

    • Remember, this description is a general overview, and the actual procedures, steps, and fees may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Remember, every dental emergency is unique, and outcomes can vary. It is important to consult with a dental professional promptly for an accurate assessment and personalized treatment plan.

GET YOUR TOOTHACHE CHECKED TODAY

This article is designed to be for information purposes only and does not substitute or replace the advice of a registered health practitioner. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Please view the site Disclaimer for more information.

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We are taking a short break

The clinic will be closed from Thursday 2nd April 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Online booking remains available for scheduling appointments.

Victorian Dental Group will be closed for annual maintenance on 3rd and 4th of October. Online booking remains active and our team will be available from Monday 7th October. 

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