When a Toothache Needs a Dentist
A brief twinge now and then isn’t always urgent. Other signs mean it’s time to be seen: pain that is steady, sharp, or pounding, sensitivity to heat, cold, or sugar that lingers, discomfort when you chew, swelling in the gum or around the tooth, or pain that keeps you awake. Left alone, whatever is causing the ache usually gets more painful and harder to treat.
We’ll examine the tooth, take X-rays, and explain what’s happening before recommending anything. Reserve your $89 exam at our Braeswood office to get started.
What Causes a Toothache
A toothache can start for many reasons, including:
- A cavity or other decay
- An infected tooth or abscess
- A tooth that has cracked or broken
- A filling or crown that has come out or worn down
- Gum disease or irritation
- Food wedged between teeth
- A wisdom tooth working its way in
- Clenching or grinding
Getting to the Root of It in Braeswood
A Toothache Shouldn’t Have to Wait
Tooth pain has terrible timing, and you shouldn’t have to hold out for the next opening. We keep same-day and walk-in appointments available, so you can be examined and treated promptly.
Why Acting Quickly Pays Off
Eating and Sleeping Get Easier
A Clear Diagnosis
Less Chance of a Bigger Problem
Timely Care, Flexible Hours
Say Hello to Our Smile Team
Comfort, Care, and Convenience
Relief, Resolve, and Restore
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a toothache clear up without treatment?
Sometimes, if the cause is minor, like food stuck between teeth or temporary sensitivity. Pain from decay, a crack, or infection usually returns or gets worse. If a severe toothache suddenly stops, don’t assume it has healed, because it can mean the nerve has died while the infection remains. If a toothache lasts more than a day or two, have it examined.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite?
Pain on biting often points to a cracked tooth, a loose or damaged filling or crown, decay close to the nerve, or infection at the root. Inflamed gums or a bite that’s slightly off can also cause it. Because several problems feel alike, a dentist has to examine the tooth and take an X-ray to find the source.
How is a toothache treated?
It depends on the cause. A cavity may need a filling, while a cracked or heavily damaged tooth may need a crown. If the nerve is infected, a root canal can save the tooth, and a tooth that can’t be saved may need to be removed. An abscess requires treating the source, and antibiotics alone won’t cure it. Your dentist will explain your options after the exam.
What happens at an emergency toothache visit?
We’ll ask about your symptoms, check the tooth and surrounding gums, and take X-rays to identify the cause. Then we’ll explain what we found and your treatment options, and wherever possible we’ll begin easing your pain during the same visit. You’ll know the plan and the cost before any treatment starts.
What does toothache treatment cost, and is insurance accepted?
The cost depends on the cause, since a filling costs less than a root canal or extraction. That’s why the exam comes first. New patients can start with our $89 emergency exam, which includes X-rays. We accept insurance plans and offer payment options, so you can get care without waiting.


