Dental question about observed-topic:severe-tooth-pain

Severe tooth pain can come from the pulp, ligament, gum or jaw and needs prompt assessment, especially with swelling or fever.

Deep decay, a crack, inflammation of the dental pulp, an abscess, gum disease, trauma or clenching can produce intense pain. Hot or cold triggers, pain on biting, spontaneous throbbing and pain that interrupts sleep help the clinician narrow the source.

Arrange an urgent dental examination and avoid chewing on the painful side. Keep brushing gently, do not put aspirin or chemicals on the tooth, and use only pain medicine suitable for your health history and taken as directed.

Seek same-day care for severe or worsening pain, facial swelling, fever, pus, a broken tooth or difficulty opening the mouth. Go to emergency medical care for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling under the tongue or rapidly spreading swelling.

Ask whether the pulp, root, gum, bite or jaw is causing the pain, what the examination and radiograph show, and whether treatment means a filling, root canal, drainage, extraction, gum care or bite adjustment.