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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Severe Toothache Treatment in Selkirk
Throbbing or constant tooth pain usually has a cause that needs treatment. Selkirk patients can learn what to do at home and when to call our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsPain that will not settle
A severe toothache is a signal to act, not to wait.
Severe tooth pain can come from deep decay, an inflamed or infected nerve, a cracked tooth, an abscess, gum infection or a wisdom tooth. Pain that throbs, wakes you at night, lingers after hot or cold or is accompanied by swelling usually needs prompt dental assessment. Painkillers may help for a while, but the cause remains.
When a toothache keeps you up at night in Selkirk, the first step the next morning is a call to our Port Dover office. Describe the pain, how long it has lasted and any swelling or fever. The team will discuss urgency and availability and advise how to manage until you are seen.
Understanding the pain
The type of pain offers clues to the cause.
Pain from the nerve
Sharp pain with cold that fades quickly may suggest sensitivity or a minor issue. Pain that lingers long after the hot or cold is removed, or throbs on its own, often indicates the nerve is inflamed. Pain with heat that is relieved by cold may suggest the nerve is dying. These patterns help the dentist narrow down the cause.
Pain from surrounding tissues
Pain when biting may point to a cracked tooth or an infection at the root tip. Swollen, tender gum around a tooth may indicate a gum abscess or a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Sometimes pain from sinus problems or jaw muscles is felt in the teeth. The dentist will examine and test to find the true source.
Until you are seen
Some steps can ease discomfort temporarily.
Comfort measures
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relievers taken according to the label and your health needs may help. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek for short periods might ease discomfort. Keep your head slightly raised when lying down, as this sometimes reduces throbbing.
What to avoid
Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum or tooth, as they can burn the tissues. Avoid applying heat to the face. Do not exceed the recommended dose of pain medication. If you have leftover antibiotics, do not take them without guidance. Seek emergency care if swelling spreads or breathing becomes difficult.
Diagnosis and treatment
Relief comes from treating the cause.
Finding the source
The dentist will ask about your symptoms, examine the area, test individual teeth with cold or tapping and take X-rays. Identifying exactly which tooth is causing the pain is important, as discomfort can be felt in a different location. The dentist will explain the findings and what they mean for the tooth and your options.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause. It might include a filling for decay, root canal treatment for an inflamed or infected nerve, draining an abscess, treating a gum infection or extracting a tooth that cannot be saved. Medication may be part of the plan in some cases. The dentist will discuss the options and help you choose.
Preventing recurrence
Follow-through helps prevent future toothaches.
Completing care
If treatment was started at an urgent visit, such as the first stage of a root canal, keep your follow-up appointments to complete it. A tooth that has had a root canal often needs a crown. Report any return of pain, swelling or fever promptly, as this may indicate that further attention is needed.
Protecting your teeth
Regular checkups and X-rays help catch decay and cracks before they reach the nerve. Brush twice daily, clean between teeth and limit frequent sugary snacks. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may help prevent cracks. Address sensitivity or minor pain early rather than waiting for it to become severe.
Planning your appointment
Toothache care when you live in Selkirk.
Call our Port Dover office as early as possible and describe your pain, its pattern and any swelling. The team will discuss timing based on urgency and availability.
Note which pain relievers you have taken and when, and bring your medication list along with any allergy information.
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
Severe 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 to the head, which may intensify throbbing pain. There are also fewer distractions at night. Raising your head slightly may help. Persistent nighttime pain often indicates a nerve problem that needs prompt dental assessment.
Will antibiotics fix my toothache?
Antibiotics may be used for certain infections but do not treat most causes of toothache, such as an inflamed nerve. Dental treatment is usually needed. The dentist will explain whether medication is appropriate as part of your care.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes pain eases if the nerve dies, but the underlying problem, such as infection, usually remains and can worsen. A toothache that stops suddenly should still be checked, as the problem may be continuing without symptoms.
When is a toothache an emergency?
Seek emergency medical care for breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious head injury. Severe pain, swelling or fever without those signs needs prompt dental attention, so call the office early.
What if the pain moves around?
Dental pain can be hard to pinpoint and may be felt in other teeth, the ear or the jaw. The dentist will use tests and X-rays to identify the source. Describe where you feel the pain and when it occurs.
Treatments that may follow
Dental Emergencies →Root Canal Treatment →
Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp so a tooth can be kept. Selkirk patients can learn how it works and what recovery involves in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Exams →
An emergency dental exam focuses on one urgent problem such as pain, swelling or a damaged tooth. Selkirk patients can call our Port Dover office first.