Get toothache relief in Virginia Beach, VA, here. Same-Day emergency appointments available. Call 757-216-9914 now.
Chronic toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and oral pain can make everyday life miserable. Speaking, biting, chewing, and even sleeping become difficult when you have tooth pain. At Coastal General Dentistry, we provide fast, effective toothache treatment in Virginia Beach, VA. Our team offers root canals, fillings, and other emergency dental services to relieve your pain and protect your smile.
When to Call Us Right Away
Not all tooth pain is the same. Some discomfort can wait until a regular appointment, but certain symptoms require immediate care.
Call us right away if you have:
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping or eating
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
- A fever along with your tooth pain
- A foul taste in your mouth or pus near the tooth
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
These are signs of an infection that can spread quickly. We offer same-day emergency appointments at our Virginia Beach office. Call us at 757-216-9914.
What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment
Tooth pain can be miserable. Until you can get to our office at 919 First Colonial Rd., try these steps to manage your discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This helps numb the nerves and reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.
Important: Don’t place aspirin directly on your gums or tooth. This can burn your gum tissue and worsen the problem.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Virginia Beach
Tooth pain can come from several different problems. The most common causes include:
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in response to a dental injury or cavity. The infection creates this pocket near the tooth root. You may notice a foul taste in your mouth if the abscess ruptures. The pain may decrease after this happens. But you still need to visit your dentist right away. Untreated tooth abscesses can lead to serious infections that spread to other parts of your body.
Cavity
A dental cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel. Harmful bacteria break down the natural tooth over time. As the infection progresses, the bacteria create a cavity. This exposes the dental pulp inside your tooth. The dental pulp contains cells, blood vessels, and nerves that keep the tooth alive. When bacteria reach this area, you feel sensitivity and pain.
Dental Injury
Breaks or cracks in your tooth enamel can cause pain. You may feel pain right after the injury. If left untreated, the damaged tooth can allow bacteria to enter. This leads to further damage and more discomfort over time.
Signs You Have a Toothache
Tooth pain often comes with other symptoms that point to an infection. Watch for:
- Fever
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tender lymph nodes in your neck or jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
If you notice these symptoms along with tooth pain, contact us right away. Toothaches get worse the longer they go untreated.
Patient Review
Here’s What to Expect When You Come In
We know you are in pain, so we make this easy.
- Call us at 757-216-9914. We will ask about your symptoms and fit you in the same day.
- Check in quickly. Our front desk staff will greet you and ask for your insurance information and a list of any medications you are taking.
- Get a thorough exam. Dr. Reichley, Dr. Sinclair, or another one of our dentists will examine your tooth. We will take digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface. Digital X-rays use very low radiation and are completely safe.
- Review your options. We will explain what is causing your pain and walk you through your treatment choices. We will also give you a clear cost estimate before we start any work.
- Receive treatment. We will treat your tooth to relieve the pain. This might be a filling, a root canal, or another procedure. We will make sure you are comfortable throughout.
Most patients leave our Virginia Beach office with significantly less pain than when they arrived.
How We Treat Toothaches in Virginia Beach
If you have severe tooth pain, you may need emergency dental care. We will recommend the right treatment based on the cause of your pain.
Abscess Drainage
If you have an abscess, we will drain the pus. We make a small cut in the abscess and rinse the area with salt water. This removes the infection and relieves pressure.
Dental Fillings
For cavities, we remove the infected part of the tooth. We clean and disinfect the area. Then we fill the tooth with a tooth-colored composite material. The filling blends in with your natural tooth and restores its function.
Root Canals
If the infection has reached the inner pulp of your tooth, we may recommend a root canal. This procedure can save your natural tooth. Your dentist will clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the chamber, and seal the tooth.
A root canal relieves your pain almost immediately. In most cases, we will place a dental crown over the tooth to protect it and restore full function. Dr. Luskey is our endodontic specialist. He has advanced training in root canal therapy and extensive experience helping patients find relief.
Cost and Insurance for Toothache Treatment
We know cost can be a concern, especially for unexpected dental pain. Here is what you should know:
- We accept most dental PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, United Concordia, Anthem, and Cigna.
- Most insurance plans cover a portion of emergency exams and treatments like fillings and root canals.
- We will give you a cost estimate before starting any treatment.
- If you don’t have insurance, we offer financing through Cherry. This gives you access to low-interest or no-interest payment options.
Call us at 757-216-9914, and we will check your coverage over the phone.
Toothache FAQs
Can a toothache cause a headache?
Yes. Pain in the tooth’s nerve can travel to different areas of your face. This can cause headaches or even ear pain.
How long does a toothache last?
The duration depends on the cause. Temporary sensitivity may last for hours or a couple of days. A toothache from a cavity, abscess, or injury will last longer until you receive treatment. The sooner you see us, the sooner we can relieve your pain.
Why do I have throbbing tooth pain?
A dental infection is the most likely cause. This heartbeat-like sensation often comes and goes. It’s a sign that bacteria have reached the nerves inside your tooth. You need prompt treatment to prevent the infection from worsening.
What should I avoid if I have a toothache?
Don’t ignore your pain. Waiting will only make things worse. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks because they feed the bacteria causing your infection. Stay away from hard, crunchy foods that can worsen the pain or further damage your tooth.
What is a sinus toothache?
Sometimes tooth pain comes from sinus pressure. This usually affects your upper teeth. Your tooth roots sit near your sinuses. When you have a sinus infection or bad congestion, the pressure can make your upper teeth hurt. If your pain goes away when your sinuses clear, you probably do not need dental treatment.
Do you need to pull an abscessed tooth?
Not always. We try to save your natural tooth whenever possible. A root canal can often remove the infection and save the tooth. We only recommend extraction when the tooth is too damaged to save.
Treat Your Tooth Pain Today
Do you have a toothache that will not go away? Do not wait for the pain to get worse. Call Coastal General Dentistry at 757-216-9914 for fast relief. You can also request an appointment online. We are located at 919 First Colonial Rd. Suite B in Virginia Beach. We proudly serve patients from Great Neck, Kings Grant, Lynnhaven, and all surrounding neighborhoods.
Our experienced dentists in Virginia Beach are here to help you feel better. Call us today.