Severe Toothache in Naperville, IL
A severe toothache is usually a sign of a problem such as a deep cavity, a crack, or an infection, and it rarely goes away on its own. Call (630) 716-9399 to be connected with a local dental office and ask about a same-day appointment.
Office hours
- Monday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday
- Emergency only
- Sunday
- Emergency only
What to Do Right Now
These general first aid steps are based on the American Dental Association’s guidance on dental emergencies. They can ease the pain until you see a dentist, but they do not treat the cause.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Gently floss to remove any food trapped around the tooth.
- If there is swelling, hold a cold compress on your cheek.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, following the label directions.
- Keep your head raised when you lie down.
What Not to Do
- Do not put aspirin or any painkiller directly on the tooth or gums, because it can burn the tissue.
- Do not ignore pain that keeps coming back, even if it fades for a while.
When to Go to the ER Instead
Go to the ER if you have swelling with a fever, or any of the signs below. An emergency room can help with pain and infection, but it usually cannot treat the tooth itself, so you will still need a dentist afterward.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- swelling that is spreading toward your eye, neck, or throat
- bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- a possible broken jaw
- a head injury
Is a Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?
A severe toothache is an emergency if the pain is severe, keeps you awake, lasts more than a day or two, or comes with swelling, fever, or a bad taste. Swelling or a bad taste with tooth pain can be one of the signs of a dental abscess, which should be checked quickly.
Mild sensitivity that comes and goes can usually wait for a regular appointment, but call if you are unsure. For other urgent problems, see what counts as a dental emergency.
What to Expect at the Dentist
Expect an exam and usually an x-ray to find the cause of the pain. Depending on the cause, options such as a filling, a root canal, or an extraction may be discussed. The dentist decides which treatment fits the tooth and explains it before starting. If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may talk with you about an emergency tooth extraction.
Call and Office Hours
Call during the office hours shown at the top of this page and ask about a same-day appointment. It helps to say which tooth hurts, when the pain started, whether it is constant or comes and goes, and whether you have swelling or a fever. The dental office decides scheduling, treatment, and pricing. Calling early in the day gives you the best chance at a same-day appointment.
Severe Toothache Questions
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the pain fades, but the cause usually remains, so the tooth should still be checked. Call to ask about an appointment even if the pain eases.
What can I do for a toothache tonight?
Rinse with warm water, gently floss, hold a cold compress on your cheek, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever following the label, then call when the office opens. If you have swelling with a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.
Is EmergencyDentistNaperville.com a dental office?
No. It is a referral service that connects your call to a local Naperville dental office.
EmergencyDentistNaperville.com is a referral service operated by Zestacor Digital Marketing, not a dental office. We do not provide dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Calls are connected to a local dental office in Naperville, which decides appointment availability, treatment, and pricing. Read the full Disclosure.