Man touching his jaw in pain with a toothache

Toothache Relief in Cedar Park

If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t wait. Tooth pain is a sign that something needs immediate attention. At New Hope Dentist, we offer prompt, gentle care to help relieve toothaches and prevent the issue from getting worse. Whether it’s caused by a cavity, infection, cracked tooth, or impacted wisdom teeth, our dental team is here to help.

What’s Causing the Pain?

Toothaches can result from a variety of dental problems, including:

  • Cavities that go deep into the root
  • Cracks and fissures
  • Abscesses or infections 
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Teeth grinding or jaw pressure

When It’s an Emergency

Toothaches should never be ignored. If you’re experiencing symptoms like severe or throbbing pain, swelling in your gums or face, pain that disrupts sleep, or a bad taste or odor from a tooth, you may need urgent dental care.  

At New Hope Dentist, we do our best to accommodate our patient’s dental emergency needs for toothaches and pain in Cedar Park, including same-day appointments whenever possible.

Minimizing the Risk of Getting Toothaches

To lower your risk of future toothache related mouth pain and discomfort by brushing your teeth twice a day. Be sure to floss your teeth every day, too. Be mindful of the food you eat, avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. Keep in mind that minor sensitivity or discomfort can often be the first warning sign that your mouth is in need of dental care. Don’t ignore it! 

In addition to being mindful of the food you eat, staying on top of good oral hygiene, you should visit your dentist twice a year for routine dental exams. Checkups at the dentist include getting your teeth cleaned. This is an excellent way to learn about small issues well before they become large painful problems. 

Temporary Relief at Home 

If you can’t see your dentist right away, try these home remedies to ease the pain until you’re able to get professional care:

  • Rinse with warm saltwater to ease inflammation
  • Take ibuprofen for pain
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
  • Dab a small amount of clove oil near the tooth

While these remedies may ease discomfort temporarily, they don’t address the underlying issue. For lasting relief, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.  

Common Treatments for Toothaches

Dentists treat toothaches based on the underlying cause. Identifying the problem typically requires a clinical exam and may involve digital X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface. Common treatments include:

  • Fillings for cavities
  • Root canal therapy
  • Antibiotics to treat dental infections or abscesses
  • Tooth extractions for severely damaged or impacted teeth
  • Deep cleaning if gum disease is the source of discomfort
  • Night guards for patients who grind their teeth

When Should a Tooth Be Pulled?

Dr. Sharma will normally attempt to save a tooth before choosing to pull it. There are several reasons that could support her decision to conduct an extraction, including:

  • A tooth that is broken down to the gum line
  • Impacted against another tooth
  • Extensive damage from other procedures
  • Cavities that would require an excessive amount of the tooth to be removed

It’s important to leave a tooth in place for as long as possible to protect the integrity of the jaw and other teeth that surround it. Dr. Sharma will carefully weigh all the options before making the decision to extract a tooth.