Patient information
Tooth pain and dental problems
Plain answers to common questions about toothaches, injuries, and other dental problems, and when to call.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, and only an exam can tell what is causing a problem. If you have a dental problem, call us at (775) 782-8176. For other health concerns, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
Common questions
Tooth pain and dental problems: questions and answers
Why does my tooth hurt with cold or hot?
A tooth can hurt with hot or cold when the layer under the enamel is exposed or irritated, for example by a cavity, a crack, a worn or broken filling, worn enamel, or gums that have pulled back from the root. A short twinge that fades within a few seconds is common with sensitive teeth. Pain that lingers after the hot or cold is gone, pain that comes on by itself, or pain when you bite down should be checked, because it can mean the nerve inside the tooth is involved. Only an exam can tell the cause. If a tooth needs treatment for its nerve, such as a root canal, we will evaluate it and either treat it or refer you to a specialist. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 to be seen.
Is a toothache an emergency? When should I go to the ER instead?
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or a serious injury. Jaw or tooth pain that comes with chest pain or shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart attack, so call 911 right away. Otherwise, a toothache that is severe, lasts more than a day or two, or comes with a fever, an earache, or pain when you open wide should be checked by a dentist. In the meantime, rinse with warm water, gently floss to remove any trapped food, and use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label. Don't put aspirin on the tooth or gums, because it can burn the gum tissue. Call our office at (775) 782-8176. We'll ask about your symptoms and let you know when we can see you.
What should I do if I broke or chipped a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces. If your face is swollen, hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Don't put aspirin or numbing gels on the tooth or gums. A small chip that doesn't hurt can usually wait until a dentist can see you. A break or crack that hurts, or a tooth that hurts when you bite or with hot and cold, should be checked soon. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 and bring any pieces you saved.
My crown or filling fell out. What should I do?
Keep the crown and bring it with you. If it slips back on easily, you can coat the inside with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive and gently put it back over the tooth until you are seen. Never use super glue. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 to have it checked.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
The most common cause is plaque building up along the gum line, which can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis). Other causes include brushing too hard, flossing the wrong way, hormone changes during pregnancy, dentures or appliances that don't fit well, and some medicines, such as blood thinners. Brush gently at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings, which remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can't. Bleeding that is heavy, keeps happening, or comes with other unexplained symptoms should be checked by a dentist or your doctor. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 to schedule a cleaning and exam.
What can I do about wisdom tooth pain?
Some mild soreness while a wisdom tooth comes in can be normal. A wisdom tooth that is only partly through the gum, or doesn't have room to come in, can trap food and bacteria and lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the jaw. Pain, swelling, or trouble opening your mouth should be checked; a dentist will examine the area and take an X-ray before recommending anything. In the meantime you can rinse with warm water and use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label. Don't put aspirin on the gums. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. We provide extractions at our Minden office, including some impacted wisdom teeth, and refer some cases to an oral surgeon. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 to have it looked at.
A tooth got knocked out. What do I do?
Act quickly. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Don't scrub it, don't use soap, don't wrap it in a tissue, and don't let it dry out. If you can, gently put it back in its socket and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth or gauze. If it won't go back in, keep it moist in milk, or have an adult hold it inside the cheek, and bring it with you. Don't store it in tap water. Never put a baby tooth back in. Bring it with you instead. For a serious injury, or if our office is closed, go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise call our office at (775) 782-8176 right away.
My face or jaw is swollen. What should I do?
Swelling of the face or jaw can be a sign of a tooth infection, such as an abscess, and should be checked promptly. An untreated tooth infection can get worse. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if the swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or if you have a high fever. Until you are seen, you can hold a cold compress on the outside of your face and rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water). Call our office at (775) 782-8176 so we can ask about your symptoms.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Teeth can feel sensitive when the layer under the enamel is exposed. Common causes include worn enamel, gums that have pulled back from the roots, cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, and gum disease. Hot, cold, acidic, or sticky foods can then cause a sharp, short pain. A desensitizing toothpaste used every day may help, though it often takes several uses before you notice a difference. Other options depend on the cause, such as fluoride applied in the office or repairing a worn or broken area of the tooth. Sensitivity that is new, centered on one tooth, or getting worse should be checked. Call our office at (775) 782-8176 to schedule an exam.
Is it normal to have pain after a filling or extraction?
Some discomfort is normal. After a filling, mild sensitivity and gum soreness are common and usually fade within a week or two. If your bite feels high or uneven, the filling may need a small adjustment. Pain that lingers after hot or cold, or keeps getting worse, should be checked. After an extraction, some soreness is expected for the first few days. Follow the instructions you were given and use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label. Pain that gets worse instead of better a few days after an extraction, especially with pain spreading toward the ear, a bad taste or bad breath, or a socket that looks empty, can be a sign of dry socket and should be checked. Severe pain that medicine doesn't help, a swollen face or jaw, or a fever also needs attention. Call our office at (775) 782-8176.