Overview
Tooth pain ranges from brief sensitivity to constant, throbbing pain with swelling. Typical causes include decay, infection of the nerve (pulp), cracked teeth, leaking or worn fillings, and gum (periodontal) problems. Sometimes pain is referred from the sinus or jaw muscles.
The best next step is one that confirms the diagnosis and balances urgency, comfort, long‑term tooth health and cost. A short appointment for pain relief may be followed by definitive treatment once the cause is clear.
What to do right now
- Rinse gently with warm salty water to soothe the area.
- Use floss to remove trapped food between teeth.
- Use over‑the‑counter pain relief if suitable for you (paracetamol and/or ibuprofen as directed). Do not place aspirin on the gum.
- Apply a cold compress outside the cheek for 10 minutes on/off. Avoid heat if there is swelling.
- Use desensitising toothpaste (for sensitivity) or temporary dental cement (for a lost filling) until assessed.
Seek urgent care if you have facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, trauma, or severe pain not eased by pain medicine. If breathing or swallowing is affected, call 000 or go to an emergency department.
Common causes of tooth pain
- Tooth decay (cavity): Sensitive to sweet, cold or biting; can progress to nerve pain.
- Pulpitis (nerve inflammation): Spontaneous, lingering pain, often worse at night; may need root canal.
- Dental abscess: Severe, throbbing pain with swelling, bad taste or fever; needs urgent treatment.
- Cracked tooth: Sharp pain on bite or release; pain may be intermittent; often needs a crown and sometimes root canal.
- Leaking or worn filling: Sensitivity or biting pain due to microleakage.
- Gum disease: Tender gums, bleeding, bad breath; dull ache or pressure.
- Tooth wear, clenching or grinding (bruxism): Generalised sensitivity or bite pain; morning jaw soreness.
- Referred pain: Sinusitis, jaw joint/muscle issues or nerve pain can mimic toothache.
Only a clinical exam with tests and dental X‑rays can confirm the cause.
Symptoms to pay attention to
- Sharp, throbbing or constant toothache
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweet foods
- Pain on biting, chewing or touching the tooth
- Swelling of the gum or face, bad taste, fever
- Pain spreading to the ear, temple or jaw
- Night pain that disturbs sleep or requires regular pain relief
Symptoms can fluctuate. Improvement does not always mean the problem has resolved, so follow‑up is important.
How dentists diagnose tooth pain
- History and exam: Onset, triggers, duration, and clinical inspection.
- Tests: Cold test, bite test, percussion and palpation to localise the tooth and assess nerve response.
- Imaging: Bitewing/periapical X‑rays, and sometimes 3D imaging, to detect decay, cracks, infection or bone changes.
These steps separate reversible problems (often solved with simple care) from irreversible ones needing root canal or extraction.
Treatment pathways
- Reversible decay or sensitivity: Fluoride/desensitising care, dietary advice, and/or restoration (filling or onlay).
- Deep decay or cracked tooth with nerve involvement: Root canal therapy and a protective crown.
- Abscess or severe infection: Drainage, root canal or extraction, plus antibiotics if indicated.
- Gum‑related pain: Periodontal treatment, cleaning and home‑care coaching.
- Tooth cannot be saved: Extraction with options for replacement such as a bridge or dental implant.
Many clinics provide immediate pain relief first, then finalise the long‑term plan once pain and inflammation settle.
Recovery and aftercare
- Fillings/crowns: Sensitivity usually settles within days to weeks.
- Root canal: Soreness for a few days is common; chewing comfort returns as inflammation resolves.
- Gum treatment: Tenderness for 24–48 hours; improved gum health with consistent home care.
- Extraction: Most people feel better within several days; follow instructions to prevent dry socket.
Attend reviews as advised. Pain can subside before the underlying problem is fully treated.
Costs and cover in Australia
Fees vary by state, clinic, complexity and materials. As a guide in private care:
- Urgent assessment and X‑ray: commonly from $80–$180
- Small to large fillings: roughly $180–$450+
- Root canal (single tooth): often $900–$2,000+ (multi‑visit)
- Crown after root canal or crack: about $1,400–$2,000+
- Simple extraction: often $200–$450+ (surgical may be higher)
Private health extras can contribute to dental costs. Public dental services and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (Medicare) help eligible people. Ask for a staged plan (immediate relief, short‑term stabilisation, long‑term restoration) and itemised quotes.
Prevention and reducing future tooth pain
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; clean between teeth daily.
- Limit frequent sugary or acidic snacks and drinks.
- Use desensitising toothpaste for exposed roots/sensitivity.
- Wear a custom mouthguard for sport and consider a night guard if you grind.
- Regular dental check‑ups to detect small issues before they hurt.
FAQs
Why does tooth pain come and go?
Early decay, small cracks or gum inflammation can cause intermittent pain triggered by cold, sweet or biting. As the condition progresses, pain can linger or become constant.
Is sensitivity the same as toothache?
Brief sensitivity that stops quickly is often from exposed dentine or enamel wear. Lingering pain, night pain, swelling or pain to hot often signals deeper nerve involvement.
Can sinus issues cause upper tooth pain?
Yes. The roots of upper back teeth sit close to the sinus. Congestion or infection can cause dull, pressure‑type pain that feels like toothache.
Confidential help
If you want help understanding your symptoms, comparing treatment options, or finding a clinic that matches your needs, you can send a confidential enquiry below.
This site provides information and referral support. It is not a dental clinic and does not replace personal advice from your dentist or doctor.