Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Severe Toothache Treatment in Fishers Glen
A toothache can mean an inflamed nerve or infection. Fishers Glen patients can learn what to note, safe relief and when to call our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenPain that will not settle
Severe tooth pain is a signal that something needs attention.
A severe toothache can come on suddenly or build over days. It may throb, keep you awake, flare with hot or cold, or hurt when you bite. Common causes include deep decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, an abscess, a failing filling or an infected wisdom tooth. Pain relief may help for a while, but the underlying cause usually needs dental treatment to resolve properly.
If you are in Fishers Glen and dealing with a severe toothache, call our Port Dover office and describe the pain. The team will ask about swelling, fever and how long it has lasted, and discuss how soon you should be seen and what you can do in the meantime.
Describe the pain
The details of your pain help guide the diagnosis.
Type and timing
Note whether the pain is sharp or throbbing, constant or triggered by something like cold, heat or biting. Does it linger after the trigger is removed? Does it wake you at night or spread to your ear, jaw or head? These patterns help the dentist distinguish between a sensitive tooth, an inflamed nerve, a crack or an infection.
Associated symptoms
Mention any swelling of the gum or face, a bad taste, fever, a bump on the gum or difficulty opening your mouth. These signs can point to infection. Also note if the pain started after dental work, an injury or a sinus infection. Upper back tooth pain can sometimes be linked to sinus congestion rather than the teeth.
Relief while waiting
Ease discomfort without hiding warning signs.
Safe pain relief
Over-the-counter pain relief, taken exactly as directed on the package and if suitable for your health, may help. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can ease swelling and throbbing. Rinse gently with warm salt water. Keeping your head raised when lying down may reduce pressure. Avoid chewing on the painful side and stick to softer foods.
What to avoid
Do not place aspirin or other tablets on the gum, as they can burn the tissue. Avoid applying heat to the outside of the face if there is swelling. Do not use leftover antibiotics. If the pain suddenly stops, the nerve may have died, but infection can still be present, so keep your appointment. Call if unsure.
Diagnosis and treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing the pain.
Finding the cause
The dentist will examine the area and take X-rays. Tests like tapping, applying cold and having you bite on an instrument help pinpoint the tooth and determine whether the nerve is inflamed, dying or infected. The dentist will explain the findings and options before starting any treatment, and answer your questions. Nothing begins without your agreement.
Treatment options
Treatment might involve a filling, root canal treatment, draining an abscess, removing a tooth or treating a cracked tooth with a crown. Sometimes relief is provided at the first visit, with definitive treatment planned later. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases, but they do not replace treating the source of infection. Ask what each option involves.
After treatment
Follow through to avoid repeat episodes.
The days after
Some tenderness after treatment is normal and should improve over a few days. Follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions. Contact the office if pain worsens, swelling increases or you develop a fever. If temporary treatment was provided, book the follow-up appointment to complete the plan, as temporary measures do not last indefinitely. Book it soon if you can.
Preventing future toothaches
Regular checkups catch decay and cracks before they reach the nerve. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and limit sugary snacks. Wear a night guard if you grind. Pay attention to early warning signs, such as sensitivity that lingers, and call before it becomes severe pain. Early visits are usually much simpler.
Planning your appointment
Toothache help for Fishers Glen.
Call 519-583-2929 to describe your toothache. Our Port Dover team will ask about the pain, swelling and fever, and discuss how soon you should be seen and what to do while you wait.
Have your medication list ready, note what pain relief you have taken and when, and mention any recent dental work on the painful tooth.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Toothache questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Why does my toothache get worse at night?
Lying down can increase blood flow and pressure in the head, which may intensify pain from an inflamed tooth. There are also fewer distractions at night. Keeping your head raised may help. Persistent night pain should be assessed promptly.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Pain may come and go, but the underlying problem usually remains. If the nerve dies, pain may stop even though infection develops. It is important to have a severe or persistent toothache examined rather than waiting.
Is it a tooth or my sinuses?
Sinus congestion can cause pain in the upper back teeth, often affecting several teeth at once and worsening when bending over. The dentist can help determine whether the pain is dental or sinus-related through examination and tests.
Will I need a root canal?
Not always. The treatment depends on the cause. Some toothaches are resolved with a filling, while others need root canal treatment or extraction. The dentist will explain the options after examining the tooth and testing it.
When should I go to the hospital for tooth pain?
Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with swelling or a serious head injury. These need immediate medical attention and should not wait for a dental visit. Call 911 if needed.
Likely next steps for a toothache
Dental Emergencies →Root Canal Treatment →
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp to save a tooth. Fishers Glen patients can learn about symptoms, treatment and recovery in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Exams →
An urgent dental exam pinpoints the cause of pain, swelling or damage. Fishers Glen patients can call our Port Dover office to discuss timing and next steps.