Toothache? Here’s what to do right now.
A toothache is your body telling you something’s wrong, and knowing what to do about it starts with a little relief while you figure out next steps. Call (425) 776-8353 if the pain is severe, or read on for what helps right now.
What helps right now
These won’t fix the underlying problem, but they can take the edge off until you’re seen:
These are temporary measures. They buy you time. They don’t treat the cause.
What’s actually causing the pain?
Toothaches usually trace back to one of these:
When is a toothache a dental emergency?
Call us right away if you notice:
These signs point to an infection that’s spreading, and that needs prompt care rather than a wait-and-see approach. If you want a fuller picture of how to tell whether your symptoms are a dental emergency, that guide walks through it.
Why a toothache won’t go away on its own
The nerve inside a tooth doesn’t heal itself the way a cut on your skin does. Once it’s irritated or infected, the problem tends to spread rather than resolve, and a cavity far enough along to cause pain is past the point where it can remineralize on its own. Waiting usually means more complex, and more costly, treatment later. Our emergency dentist in Edmonds can see you quickly and stop that progression before it gets there.
Common questions
Antibiotics can calm down an active infection, but they don’t fix the cavity, crack, or damage causing it. You’ll still need treatment once the infection is under control.
There’s no safe number of days. If it’s mild and just started, call to schedule within a day or two. If it’s severe or comes with swelling or fever, call today.
If you’re already a patient here, call the same number either way. We’ll tell you how soon you need to be seen.
Don’t wait out a toothache. Call us.
If a toothache is keeping you up tonight, call first thing at 8 am and we’ll get you seen.
Prefer to book online? Schedule Your Visit.