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A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.

Port Dover Family Dentistry
Intense or throbbing tooth pain needs a cause found. Turkey Point patients can learn how to ease pain safely, what the dentist checks and which signs mean act fast.
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Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Turkey Point patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Turkey PointWhen pain will not let up
A severe toothache can make it hard to eat, sleep or concentrate. It may be throbbing, sharp, constant or triggered by temperature or biting. Common causes include deep decay, an inflamed or infected nerve, a cracked tooth, an abscess or gum infection. Finding the cause is the key to effective relief.
If you are in Turkey Point with a toothache that is getting worse, call our Port Dover office. Describe the pain, how long it has lasted and any swelling or fever, so the team can advise on urgency.

Understanding the pain
Pain that lingers after hot or cold, throbs on its own or wakes you at night often suggests the nerve is inflamed or infected. Sharp pain when biting may indicate a crack or abscess. Pain with gum swelling or a bad taste points toward infection. Keeping notes on triggers and timing helps the dentist narrow it down.
Sinus infections can cause pain in upper back teeth, and jaw joint problems or grinding can cause aching that feels dental. Rarely, pain in the jaw can be related to heart problems, especially with chest pain or shortness of breath, which needs emergency care. The dentist will consider these possibilities during assessment.
Easing pain safely
Rinse gently with warm water and floss around the tooth to remove trapped food. A cold compress on the cheek may help with swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if suitable for you; follow the package directions and check with a pharmacist if you take other medications. Keeping your head raised may ease throbbing at night.
Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum, which can burn tissue. Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods and chewing on the painful side. Do not apply heat to a swollen face. If swelling spreads or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Assessment
The dentist asks about your symptoms, examines the area and may test teeth with cold, tapping or bite tests. X-rays help reveal decay, abscesses and bone changes. Pain can sometimes be referred from one tooth to another, so careful testing is important before deciding on treatment.
Once the cause is identified, the dentist explains what is happening and the available options. They will discuss whether the tooth can be saved, what treatment involves and how quickly it should be done. Ask questions so you understand the plan and what to expect afterward.
Treatment and recovery
Depending on the cause, treatment may include a filling, starting root canal treatment, draining an abscess, treating gum infection or removing the tooth. A temporary measure may be used first to relieve pain, with further treatment scheduled. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases of spreading infection.
Follow aftercare instructions and take any prescribed medication as directed. Some tenderness is normal after treatment. Contact the office if pain worsens, swelling increases or you develop a fever. Keep follow-up appointments to complete treatment, even if pain has eased, so the problem does not return.
Planning your appointment
Phone our Port Dover office to describe your toothache. The team will discuss your symptoms, advise how soon you should be seen and explain what to bring.
Note what makes the pain better or worse, and bring a list of medications, including any pain relievers you have taken.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Severe pain, swelling, fever or pain that keeps you awake should be assessed promptly. Spreading swelling or trouble breathing needs emergency medical care.
Sometimes pain fades if a nerve dies, but the underlying problem usually remains and can lead to infection. Have it assessed.
Over-the-counter options may help if they are safe for you. Follow package directions and ask a pharmacist if you take other medications.
Not always. The dentist will determine the cause. Some toothaches need fillings, gum treatment or other care.
Lying down can increase pressure in the head and around an inflamed tooth. Keeping your head raised may help until you are seen.
Root canal treatment can save a tooth with an infected or inflamed nerve. Turkey Point patients can learn how it is diagnosed, performed and protected afterward.
An urgent dental exam focuses on one painful or damaged area. Turkey Point patients can learn what the visit covers and how to prepare before driving to Port Dover.
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New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday