Toothache is a common problem that in some cases becomes a dental emergency. At Burwell Dental Surgery we offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible – if you are experiencing severe toothache, please contact our reception team on 01638 741350. Telephone lines are open from 8.30am Monday to Friday and emergency dental appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Out-of-hours contact details for those in need of an emergency dentist are also available on our answer phone.
People experience toothache in many different ways. It may be constant or may come and go; eating and drinking, particularly very hot or cold foods and drinks, can also worsen the pain. Toothache may come on suddenly and be severe, and may get worse at night when you are lying down.
Problems with the lower molar (back) teeth can feel like earache, while pain in the upper teeth may feel like it is coming from the sinuses. In some cases you may also experience pain in your jaw around an infected tooth, or may develop a painful swelling in the gum, known as a dental abscess.
You should contact your dentist immediately if pain is sudden and unbearable, or if an abscess has developed. Your dentist will see you for an emergency appointment and will try to alleviate the situation, although you may require follow-up treatment at further appointments.
If a dull toothache lasts more than a couple of days, it is advisable to book the next available appointment with your dentist. Toothaches might go away for a short while but often return with a vengeance, usually at an inconvenient time. Early intervention can sometimes mean simpler treatment. Ignoring toothaches can come at a costly price as treatment gets more complicated. So, please do not ignore the toothache that has since disappeared. Get it checked out, at the very least for your own peace of mind.
Causes of toothache
Common causes of toothache include:
- Tooth decay, causing cavities in the tooth that allow bacteria to infect the pulp
- Cracked or broken teeth – even small cracks can cause toothache
- Broken, leaking or damaged fillings
- Damaged or broken crowns
- Receding gums that expose the more sensitive parts of the tooth root
