Toothache: causes, what to do and when to see a dentist urgently
A toothache does not go away on its own: decay and inflammation only get deeper with time. Do not endure or mask the pain — book a dentist within a day or two.
Common causes
- Tooth decay and its complications: inflammation of the tooth nerve (pulpitis) and of the tissue around the root tip (apical periodontitis)
- Enamel sensitivity to cold and sweet
- Gum inflammation
- An erupting wisdom tooth
- Pain after recent dental work — it usually settles within a few days
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Facial or cheek swelling together with fever
- Pain with difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
- Bleeding that does not stop
- An injury to a tooth or the jaw
- Severe pain that cannot be relieved and keeps you awake
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Dentist
What to bring to the visit
- Dental X-rays, if you have had them
- A list of your medicines and allergies — especially to anesthetics
- Information about chronic conditions (diabetes, blood clotting problems)
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my tooth hurts?
Book a dentist within a day or two: a toothache does not go away on its own, and the dentist finds the cause by examining the tooth and, if needed, taking an X-ray. If your cheek is swelling and you have a fever, or it is hard to swallow or open your mouth, do not wait — call 103.
The pain is gone — can I skip the visit?
It is better to go anyway: pain that fades often means the nerve has died while the inflammation continues silently.
My wisdom tooth hurts — what should I do?
See a dentist: they will check the tooth and the gum around it, take an X-ray if needed and decide whether to treat or remove it. A difficult extraction is usually done by an oral surgeon. If your cheek swells, do not put off the visit; if the swelling comes with a fever or it is hard to open your mouth or swallow, call 103.
My tooth hurts under a filling or crown — is that normal?
Some sensitivity in the first days after treatment is common and usually passes on its own. If the pain does not ease within a few days, gets worse or the tooth hurts when you bite, go back to your dentist: inflammation may be continuing under the filling or crown.
My child has a toothache — which doctor should we see?
A pediatric dentist or a dentist who treats children — check this with the clinic when booking. Do not put off the visit: baby teeth are treated too. If the cheek is swelling and your child has a fever, it is urgent — call 103.
Where do I go at night with acute pain?
Yerevan has 24-hour dental clinics. And if your face is swelling and you have a fever, do not wait until morning — call 103.
More in “Head and face”
All symptomsThe information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.