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Tooth pain treatment in Herriman

Tooth pain is your body's way of saying something needs attention. Call our office. We will help find the cause and talk with you about how to ease it.

Call (385) 340-7505Insurance and payment

What causes tooth pain?

Most tooth pain comes from a cavity, a crack, an infection or irritated gums. Pain can also come from grinding your teeth, a jaw joint problem or a wisdom tooth coming in. Your dentist looks at your teeth, gums and bite and takes x-rays to find the real source.

  • Pain that comes and goes still needs a check
  • Some causes can be fixed in one visit
  • Waiting can let a small problem grow

What your pain may be telling you

The kind of pain you feel can give your dentist clues:

  • Quick zing with cold or sweets: often worn enamel, a cavity or a gum that has pulled back. See our tooth sensitivity page.
  • Sharp pain when you bite: may be a cracked tooth or a loose filling.
  • Throbbing pain that keeps you up: may mean the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected.
  • Sore, bleeding gums: often a sign of gum disease or food stuck under the gum.
  • Ache in the jaw, ears or temples: may be from clenching, grinding or a jaw joint problem.
  • Pain and pressure in the back of the mouth: may be a wisdom tooth.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, you have a high fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing. If your pain came from an injury, see our oral trauma page.

How we find and treat the cause

  1. Talk. We ask where it hurts, when it started and what makes it better or worse.
  2. Exam and x-rays. Your dentist checks each tooth, your gums and your bite. Simple tests, like tapping or a cold touch, help pinpoint the tooth.
  3. Your plan. Your dentist explains what is going on and your choices. We work on easing your pain first.

Common treatments

  • A filling for a cavity
  • A crown to protect a cracked or weak tooth
  • A root canal when the nerve is infected
  • A deep cleaning for gum infection
  • A night guard for grinding
  • Removing a tooth that cannot be saved

Until your visit

Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently around the sore tooth. Use a cold pack on your cheek for swelling. Take pain relievers as the label or your dentist directs. Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods, and chew on the other side.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about tooth pain and dental problems

My toothache went away. Do I still need to come in?
Yes. Pain that stops can mean the nerve inside the tooth has died, while the infection is still there. A check can catch it before it causes swelling or more pain.
Can a sinus infection make my teeth hurt?
Yes. Upper back teeth sit close to the sinuses, so a cold or sinus infection can make them ache. Your dentist can help tell a tooth problem from a sinus problem.
Why do my teeth hurt when I wake up?
Morning pain in your teeth or jaw is often a sign of clenching or grinding at night. A custom night guard may help. Your dentist can check for wear.
When is tooth pain an emergency?
Call us soon for severe pain, swelling or a bump on the gum. Call 911 or go to the ER if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, you have a high fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

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Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 340-7505Get directions