Overview
Dental pain is diagnosed with an exam and X-rays. Treatment depends on the cause — a filling, root canal, gum treatment or extraction. Facial swelling with a toothache needs same-day care.
Common symptoms
- • Throbbing tooth pain
- • Pain with hot, cold or biting
- • Swollen or bleeding gums
- • Bad taste or persistent bad breath
When to seek care
- • Facial or jaw swelling, or fever (seek same-day care)
- • Pain lasting more than 2 days
- • A knocked-out or cracked tooth
Specialists who treat dental pain
Frequently asked questions
- Should I go to the ER for a toothache?
- Go to an emergency room or urgent care if there is facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever. Otherwise a dental office is the right place.
This page is general health education, not medical advice, and does not create a patient relationship. Talk with a licensed clinician about your situation. In an emergency, call 911.