Severe Toothache in Fort Lauderdale: Get Relief Today
A toothache is your body's alarm system. When it goes from a mild annoyance to a throbbing, constant presence that takes over your entire day, something inside that tooth needs attention. The pain is not going to fix itself, and the cause is getting worse while you wait.
Call (954) 807-1840. We will identify the source and treat it today.
Common Causes of Severe Toothache
- Deep decay: Cavity has reached the nerve. The pain is often sharp and worsened by hot, cold, or sweet food.
- Cracked tooth: Hairline cracks can reach the nerve, causing sharp, intermittent pain when you bite down in a specific way.
- Dental abscess: An infection at the root tip or in the gum creates constant, throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear and jaw.
- Damaged or lost filling: Exposes the sensitive inner tooth, causing pain with temperature changes and chewing pressure.
- Gum disease: Advanced periodontal disease can cause deep, aching pain around multiple teeth as bone and tissue recede.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: Pressure from an erupting or trapped wisdom tooth creates pain at the back of the jaw.
Home Pain Relief Measures
These can manage pain while you wait for your appointment. They do not treat the cause.
- Cold compress: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Reduces swelling and numbs the area.
- Saltwater rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish gently for 30 seconds. Helps clean the area and reduce bacteria.
- Clove oil: Contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Apply a small amount on a cotton ball and hold it against the painful tooth for a few minutes.
- Ibuprofen: 400 to 600mg every 6 to 8 hours (if you can take NSAIDs). Reduces both pain and inflammation, making it more effective than acetaminophen for dental pain.
What to avoid: Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum (it burns tissue). Do not use alcohol as a rinse (it irritates). Avoid very hot or very cold food on the affected side.
When It Is Definitely an Emergency
Get to us or an ER immediately if your toothache is accompanied by:
- Facial swelling that is spreading or making it hard to breathe or swallow
- Fever over 101 F
- Pus draining from the gum
- Pain so severe that over-the-counter medication provides zero relief
- Swelling around the eye or visible in the neck
What Happens at Your Appointment
We take digital X-rays to see the tooth's structure and root. We test the tooth's response to cold and pressure. Within 15 to 20 minutes, we know what is causing the pain and can explain your treatment options with cost estimates.
Treatment varies: a filling for decay, root canal for nerve damage, drainage and antibiotics for an abscess, or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. The goal is the same in every case: get you out of pain with a lasting fix, not a temporary patch.
Cost and Insurance
Emergency exam with X-rays: $75 to $200. Treatment depends on diagnosis: fillings $100 to $300, root canals $700 to $1,500, extractions $150 to $400. We accept most dental insurance, credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a severe toothache?
The most common causes are deep decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, an abscess (infection), gum disease, or a damaged filling exposing sensitive dentin. Only a dental exam with X-rays can pinpoint the exact cause.
When is a toothache an emergency?
Seek emergency care if the pain is severe and constant, if over-the-counter medication provides little relief, if you have swelling in your face or gums, if you have a fever, or if you notice pus or a bad taste. These signs suggest infection or structural damage that needs immediate attention.
How much does emergency toothache treatment cost?
An emergency exam with X-rays runs $75 to $200. Treatment costs depend on the cause: a filling is $100 to $300, a root canal is $700 to $1,500, and an extraction is $150 to $400. We always explain costs before beginning treatment.