Paracetamol not working for toothache

Paracetamol can reduce pain but does not repair enamel, remove infected pulp, drain an abscess, or seal a crack. Ongoing toothache commonly reflects irritation of the pulp inside the tooth or inflammation around its root, although gum and jaw conditions can also hurt.

A dentist asks when the pain began, whether heat, cold, biting, or lying down changes it, and whether swelling or fever is present. They inspect the tooth and gums, test pulp response and biting, and may take a focused radiograph.

Use only medicines suitable for you and follow the product label or a pharmacist’s advice, especially if you have liver, kidney, stomach, bleeding, pregnancy, or medicine-interaction concerns. Avoid placing aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the gum, keep the area clean, and arrange treatment such as a filling, root canal, drainage, or extraction according to the diagnosis.

Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing or breathing, inability to open the mouth, or rapidly worsening pain. Even without these signs, pain that persists despite paracetamol should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the pulp is inflamed or infected, whether the tooth can be restored, and what treatment will remove the source rather than only masking the pain.