Edmonton Toothache & Tooth Pain

If you have a severe toothache, our Edmonton dentists can help relieve your pain by treating the root of the problem.

How can I tell if my toothache is an emergency?

Tooth pain caused by an injury (like a broken or cracked tooth) or severe oral infection (like a cavity or pulp infection) requires emergency care. The pain may be either dull or sharp, but if it is consistent, and severe enough that you are unable to function effectively, get yourself to our office right away.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

The short answer is that it depends on what is causing the toothache.

Your dentist will evaluate the tooth, and possibly take x-rays, to determine what is causing you pain. Once the cause is identified, the dentist will treat the tooth accordingly.

For example, if your toothache is caused by an infection of the pulp of the tooth, the dentist will perform a root canal to remove the infected material and seal the tooth. 

If you have a cracked or broken tooth, the dentist will repair the damage with a filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it okay to take over-the-counter painkillers for my toothache?

  If you are in severe pain because of a toothache, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen will help take the edge off. However, this is just a temporary solution.

  You should still see a dentist as soon as possible, because usually a toothache is a sign of an underlying dental problem, and this will not go away by itself.

• How long can I wait to see a dentist for a toothache?

  If you have a toothache, it's always best to see a dentist as soon as possible once you notice the pain.

  Dental injuries and tooth decay will not resolve themselves over time – they will only get worse. So, the sooner you see a dentist to have the problem fixed, the better.

  Putting off your dental appointment will only mean more pain, and possibly more invasive and costly dental treatments, in the long run.

• What causes a toothache?

  A toothache can be caused by a number of dental health problems, including:

  Tooth decay
  Abscessed tooth
  Infected pulp (the material on the inside of your tooth)
  Tooth fracture, resulting in a crack or break
  A damaged or missing filling
  Repetitive motions, such as grinding teeth
  Gum disease

• How long will it take to heal after my tooth is fixed?

  Recovery time depends on the nature and extent of the problem that was causing the toothache, and the treatment required to fix it.

  That said, most people recover from dental work within a few days to a couple of weeks after the procedure.

• Will there be any followup appointments?

  Depending on the dental work required to fix the problem, your dentist may ask you to attend a followup appointment to ensure there are no further issues.

  Otherwise, the dentist will evaluate the dental work along with the rest of your oral health during your annual or semi-annual dental checkup appointments.