Toothache Pain

Generally, our teeth begin to hurt when the nerve inside the tooth is irritated. This can be caused by multiple different factors – dental infection, gum disease, decay, cracks and fractures or injury/acute trauma. Every case is unique, so check in with the team at Studio Smiles to have this attended to as soon as possible. Book an appointment at our Bayside dental clinic today.

The short answer is, it’s always serious. Anytime we have a toothache, our body is telling us that something needs urgent attention. A lot of the time, we see patients with big facial swellings, difficulty breathing, and fevers, seeing some unfortunately end up in hospital. It’s safe to say that if left untreated, a toothache can get very serious, very quickly. We always say it’s best to get your toothache checked out the same day you start feeling it, so we have a policy here at Studio Smiles to make sure we see you that same day. If you’re in need of some emergency toothache relief, keep reading to see what we recommend.

One of the main reasons our toothaches are worse at night is because of our sleeping position. When we lay down, blood rushes to our head putting more pressure on our mouths. That throbbing sensation isn’t as intense during the day because we’re mostly upright. If you’re not able to attend an appointment right away, try and alleviate some of that pain by sleeping on a thick pillow to elevate your head and improve circulation.

While the only effective way to treat your toothache is by visiting a dentist, there are a few different remedies you can try to manage your toothache pain in the lead up to your appointment.

If you’re experiencing pain, we recommend regular paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) as a tooth pain relief. If your pain is severe, these medications can be taken in combination (Nuromol). Make sure you follow packet instructions and do not exceed maximum dosages. Maximum of 2 days use.

Home remedies that you may find on the internet such as garlic, peppermint tea, and salty water don’t generally help with symptoms or treat the underlying cause of the toothache.

It can, but that’s usually a bad sign. A tooth that has stopped hurting generally means that the nerve inside the tooth has died off, hence why it’s not sore anymore. It’s quite common for these pains to come and go, but when they do come back, the pain is greater, it’s a lot more difficult to manage and often, it’s more costly. If your pain does go away, don’t take it as a sign that everything is okay. Instead, take it as an opportunity to get your teeth checked out. Book your appointment today, and smile with confidence.

Every case is unique and the appropriate treatment will be determined as part of your emergency appointment. Your Studio Smiles Dentist will thoroughly take down your history to understand what has been happening. They will proceed to do an examination, run any special tests required (including x-rays) and present all the treatment options to you.

Root canal treatment
If the nerve in your tooth has been infected or is beyond repair, a root canal treatment may be required. This involves removal of the nerve and a root filling placed in its place to stop any bacteria from re-entering. This strengthens the tooth and returns it back to health. You can expect your toothache to fade almost immediately.

Tooth coloured fillings
If your pain is caused by a cavity and the nerve is still intact, a filling may be required. This involves cleaning the cavity hole and restoring the shape of the tooth with a tooth coloured filling material.

Porcelain crown
If the structure of your tooth has been severely compromised, a cap/crown may be needed to rebuild it. Outdated caps/crowns often appear dark and black around the gum line whereas modern crowns are made from a beautiful ceramic which blends in seamlessly.

At Studio Smiles, we take pride in our transparent approach to treatment. We endeavour to make the entire process clear for you so that you understand exactly what is happening, what can be done, the likely outcomes, and all relevant costs. We believe in a thorough approach, so our patients stress less and feel better faster. Get treated with comfort and care. Book an appointment today.

Here at Studio Smiles, we take pride in our emphasis on pain-free dentistry. We understand that going to the dentist can be daunting and that there are certain procedures you may find uncomfortable, so we use the latest techniques and technology to make you feel as comfortable as we possibly can. We also offer oral and IV sedation to take the edge off where needed, which means you can wake up to the smile of your dreams without remembering a thing! Book an appointment today.

Costs will vary depending on the individual and the treatment necessary. We believe in a transparent approach, so we make it a rule to provide all relevant treatment options and costs, including the advantages and disadvantages where relevant. This is an important part of our informed consent process. We actively work with our patients to help them find a way to have dentistry fit in with their budget and life. Patients may choose to opt for one of our interest-free payment plans to have their broken tooth sorted out immediately, while having the flexibility to pay at a later date on their own terms. Payment plans can help alleviate the financial barriers to a healthy mouth. We want to make sure you feel untroubled and completely comfortable with the next steps throughout your entire journey. Book an appointment today.