Emergency: difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or swelling near the eye or neck needs immediate emergency medical care.
Contact a dentist promptly
Severe throbbing pain, facial or jaw swelling, fever with a dental problem, a knocked-out adult tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant trauma should be assessed promptly.
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Lingering temperature sensitivity, pain on biting, a broken tooth or filling, a gum pimple, or pain that repeatedly returns should not be ignored—even if painkillers help.
Why pain can disappear
A reduction in pain does not always mean the problem has healed. Symptoms can change when the tissue inside a tooth loses vitality, while infection may continue around the root.
What to do while waiting
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on the affected side, and use pain relief only as directed for you by a qualified clinician or pharmacist. Do not place aspirin against the gum.
Not sure how urgent it is?
Our educational checker can help you choose the next step.