Tooth pain does not wait for a convenient time. At One Endodontics, our board-certified endodontists specialize in diagnosing the source of your pain and providing precise, effective treatment — fast.
Tooth pain comes in many forms. A sharp jolt when biting down feels nothing like a dull, constant ache in your jaw. The location, intensity, and duration of your pain all provide important clues about what is happening inside your tooth.
Some discomfort signals a minor sensitivity issue, while other types point to a more serious problem like an infected pulp or a cracked tooth. A toothache left untreated can progress into serious complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissue. Getting evaluated quickly is always the right move.
First aid guidance: Rinse with warm water and contact a dental professional promptly if pain persists. Over-the-counter pain relief can help temporarily, but it is not a substitute for professional evaluation. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call your nearest location immediately.
Use this guide to understand what your pain may indicate and what to do next.
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only moments, this generally does not signal a serious problem. Sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or minimal gum recession exposing small areas of root surface.
What To Do
Try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush — brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If unsuccessful, see your dentist.
Possible Problem
Dental work may temporarily inflame the pulp inside the tooth, causing short-term sensitivity to hot or cold.
What To Do
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Possible Problem
Several possible causes include decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Root canal treatment can relieve this pain and save the tooth.
Possible Problem
This likely means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do
Contact One Endodontics promptly. Root canal treatment can save the tooth and relieve pain before the damage progresses further.
Possible Problem
The tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected. This is a dental emergency.
What To Do
Contact One Endodontics immediately. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you are seen. Do not delay — infection can spread rapidly to surrounding tissue.
Possible Problem
Sinus headache pain is often felt in the face and teeth. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe or chronic, see your physician or endodontist for evaluation.
Possible Problem
Pulp-damaged teeth can sometimes cause referred pain in other parts of the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What To Do
Contact One Endodontics for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist or physician.
Our doctors completed advanced training beyond dental school specifically focused on diagnosing and treating pain from inside the tooth. For complex cases, that expertise makes a real difference.
We know tooth pain cannot always wait. Our four offices work hard to see urgent cases quickly. Call your nearest location and let us know you are in pain — we will fit you in as soon as possible.
From cone beam 3D imaging to digital X-rays, we use the most current tools available to identify the true source of your discomfort without guesswork.
Our entire team is trained to help anxious patients feel calm and in control. We explain every step before we take it, and we never rush.
Root canal therapy has an unfair reputation. In skilled endodontic hands, it is a comfortable procedure that relieves pain and saves teeth that would otherwise be lost.
Yes. One Endodontics works with many major insurance plans. Our front desk team is happy to verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. We also offer flexible financing options to make treatment as accessible as possible.
We prioritize patients experiencing acute tooth pain and do our best to offer same-day or next-day appointments across all four of our locations. Call the office nearest to you and let us know you are in pain — we will fit you in as soon as possible.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear — and the honest answer is no. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report feeling relief during and after the procedure. The pain you feel before treatment is almost always far worse than anything experienced during it.
One Endodontics has a team of specialists ready to evaluate your symptoms, give you clear answers, and create a treatment plan built around your comfort and your schedule.