What usually causes a toothache
Pain is the tooth's way of telling you something has reached the nerve or the tissue around it. Common causes include:
- A deep cavity that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth, or a filling that has come loose
- An infection (abscess) at the root tip or in the gum
- Gum disease or food stuck between teeth
- A wisdom tooth coming through at an angle
Watch: toothache & tooth pain
All videosA loose, shaky tooth treated with a root canal
A loose, shaky tooth treated with root canal treatment, with X-rays from before and after the treatment. Captions in Marathi.
About this videoWhen a tooth infection shows up on the chin
A spot on the chin can sometimes come from an infected tooth. This video shows a patient's chin sore alongside the 3D scan of the lower jaw, and a diagram of how deep decay leads to an abscess.
About this videoRoot canal treatment explained, step by step
An animated explainer on root canal treatment: when severe pain means the nerve inside a tooth is affected, the canals are cleaned, filled and sealed, and a crown protects the tooth, so it can be saved instead of removed. Captions in Marathi.
About this video
How we treat it
We first find the exact tooth and the cause, using an examination and an X-ray where needed. Treatment then depends on what we find: a filling for a cavity that has not reached the nerve, a root canal for an infected or inflamed nerve, or removal of a tooth that cannot be saved.
Many root canals at our clinic are completed in a single sitting, with a rubber dam to keep the tooth clean and dry.
When toothache is urgent
Call or WhatsApp us the same day if you have:
- Swelling of the face or gum
- Throbbing pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with pain relief
- Fever along with tooth pain
- A bad taste or pus from around a tooth
Frequently asked questions
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Pain can fade for a while, but the cause usually remains. A nerve that stops hurting may have died, and infection can spread quietly, so it is worth having the tooth checked even if the pain eases.
Does a toothache always mean a root canal?
No. Many toothaches are treated with a simple filling. A root canal is needed only when the nerve inside the tooth is badly inflamed or infected.
What can I do for tooth pain before my visit?
Rinse with warm salt water, keep the area clean, and take a pain reliever you normally take safely. Avoid placing aspirin or clove directly on the gum.
Treatments that can help
- Root Canal TreatmentSave an infected or painful tooth, often in a single sitting, with a rubber dam for a clean, comfortable procedure.Learn more
- Emergency Dental CarePrompt help for toothache, swelling, broken teeth and dental injuries during clinic hours.Learn more
- Tooth Extraction & Oral SurgeryCareful extractions, including wisdom teeth and surgical removals, by Dr. Vivek Marda.Learn more
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a visit.