May 2025

Tooth pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be excruciating. It can make eating, sleeping, and even concentrating nearly impossible. If you’re reading this while dealing with severe dental pain, you’re likely asking, What can I do if my tooth pain is unbearable?   At Asctorino, we understand how urgent and overwhelming this kind of discomfort can be. This guide will walk you through immediate steps to relieve your pain, help you understand the root causes, and outline permanent dental solutions. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or considering emergency care, this article is designed to help you take control of your dental health today.   Understanding the Cause of Severe Tooth Pain Unbearable tooth pain is typically a sign that something deeper is going on.   While symptoms may vary, common causes of intense toothache include:   Tooth Decay Cavities that are left untreated can progress into deep decay that reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, triggering severe pain.   Dental Abscess An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the root of a tooth or in the gums and usually causes sharp, constant pain.   Cracked or Fractured Tooth A cracked tooth may expose nerves or become infected, especially when biting or chewing.   Gum Infection Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to deep pain in the gums and jaw, especially if infection spreads.   Impacted Wisdom Teeth If wisdom teeth can’t emerge properly, they may press against neighboring teeth or become infected, resulting in intense pressure and throbbing pain.   Post-Procedural Pain Tooth pain after dental work like a filling or crown is not uncommon, but if it intensifies or persists, it may need further evaluation.   Asctorino encourages everyone experiencing tooth pain to consult a dental professional as soon as possible—even if you’re able to relieve the discomfort temporarily.   Immediate Actions to Relieve Unbearable Tooth Pain When the pain is too intense to wait, here are fast relief methods that you can try at home:   1. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce inflammation and manage pain. For severe pain, dentists may recommend alternating between both for better relief—always follow dosage instructions.   2. Cold Compress Apply a cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek. This helps reduce swelling and numb the area.   3. Saltwater Rinse Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it gently in your mouth. Saltwater can help reduce bacteria, soothe irritated tissue, and cleanse the affected area.   4. Elevate Your Head Keeping your head elevated, even while lying down, can reduce pressure in the head and mouth, helping minimize throbbing pain.   5. Clove Oil Clove oil is a natural remedy with numbing properties. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the sore tooth or gum area.   6. Avoid Trigger Foods Avoid hot, cold, sugary, or hard foods that could worsen pain. Stick to soft, room-temperature foods and liquids until you receive treatment.   These temporary solutions may provide short-term comfort, but they do not address the cause. For permanent relief, professional dental treatment is essential.   When to Seek Emergency Dental Care Some symptoms should never be ignored, especially if pain is accompanied by other warning signs.   Go to an emergency dentist or the ER if you experience: Severe swelling in your face or jaw Difficulty breathing or swallowing Fever with intense tooth pain Pus discharge near the tooth or gum Persistent bleeding in the mouth Pain that prevents you from sleeping or eating for more than 24–48 hours At Asctorino, we stress the importance of urgent care in these situations. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications, including tooth loss and systemic infections.   Long-Term and Permanent Solutions for Tooth Pain Once your pain is under control, the next step is finding a lasting solution. Your dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your discomfort.   1. Root Canal Treatment If your pain is due to infected or exposed pulp inside the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure removes the damaged tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection.   Root canals are one of the most effective long-term solutions for toothache caused by infection or deep decay.   2. Tooth Extraction If the tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved, an extraction may be required. This is especially common for wisdom teeth or abscessed teeth that are beyond repair.   After extraction, your dentist may suggest options like implants or bridges to restore the missing tooth.   3. Filling or Crown If a cavity or crack is causing pain but the tooth structure is still strong, a filling or dental crown may solve the problem. Crowns are especially helpful for cracked or weakened teeth needing reinforcement.   4. Treatment for Gum Disease If gum infection or recession is the source of your pain, you may need deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or even periodontal surgery in severe cases.   5. Dental Implants or Prosthetics For teeth that cannot be saved, modern dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that restores both function and aesthetics.   6. Antibiotics (Short-Term Only) Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if infection is present, but remember: antibiotics alone won’t cure a dental problem. They must be paired with the appropriate dental procedure.   Can’t Afford a Dentist? Here’s What You Can Do We understand that cost can be a barrier to dental care, especially during an emergency.   Here are a few solutions if you’re struggling to afford treatment:   Dental Schools Visit a nearby dental school, where students provide supervised care at a reduced cost. This includes exams, fillings, root canals, and extractions.   Community Health Centers Community clinics and federally qualified health centers often offer dental care on a sliding scale

A throbbing toothache can feel unbearable—especially when it strikes at night or on a weekend, when most dental offices are closed. In a moment of desperation, many people turn to the emergency room for help. But one of the most common questions we hear is: Can the ER pull a tooth?   The short answer: no, emergency rooms generally do not perform tooth extractions or other dental procedures. However, the ER still plays an important role when you’re dealing with severe symptoms that may indicate a dental emergency.   In this comprehensive guide from Asctorino, we’ll break down what the ER can and cannot do for tooth problems, when it’s appropriate to seek emergency care, and what affordable dental alternatives are available if you’re in pain and need help fast.   What the ER Can Do for Dental Pain Emergency rooms are equipped to treat medical emergencies, not dental conditions. Doctors and nurses in the ER are not trained or licensed to practice dentistry. Their goal is to relieve pain, control infection, and stabilize the patient until they can see a dentist.   The ER Can: Manage pain: You may be given prescription pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to provide temporary relief. Prescribe antibiotics: If you have a dental infection or abscess, the ER can prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. Treat swelling or fever: If your dental condition has caused systemic symptoms such as facial swelling or a high fever, the ER will help stabilize your condition. Refer you to a dentist: They may provide a referral or a list of local dental providers who offer emergency services. The ER Cannot: Extract a tooth: Tooth removal requires dental tools, anesthesia, and proper training. These are not available in most emergency departments. Fill cavities or repair teeth: The ER cannot perform fillings, crowns, or other restorative dental treatments. Replace lost crowns or broken dental appliances: These services require a dental provider with specific materials and training. At Asctorino, we encourage patients to understand the limitations of emergency care and seek dental professionals for definitive solutions.   When Should You Go to the ER for a Tooth Problem? Although the ER can’t fix your tooth, there are times when medical intervention is necessary—especially if symptoms go beyond the mouth and involve other areas of your body.   Go to the ER If You Experience: Severe facial swelling that affects your ability to breathe, speak, or swallow High fever (above 101°F) combined with tooth pain, indicating a possible spreading infection Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t stop after applying pressure Jaw trauma or facial injury from an accident or fall Signs of systemic infection, such as rapid heart rate, nausea, or confusion These situations may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Once stabilized, you’ll still need to follow up with a dental provider to address the underlying issue.   What Happens During an ER Visit for a Toothache? If you visit the emergency room with a dental concern, the team will evaluate your condition just like they would with any other medical issue.   Typical Steps Include: Assessment: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including the location and intensity of the pain. Imaging: X-rays or a CT scan may be ordered to check for abscesses, fractures, or bone involvement. Medication: You may receive antibiotics for an infection or pain medications to manage discomfort. Discharge Plan: You’ll be given follow-up instructions and referred to a dentist for tooth removal or treatment. While the ER provides essential short-term care, it is not a substitute for a dentist. Most patients leave with medication and are advised to see a dental professional as soon as possible.   Why Can’t the ER Pull Teeth? Tooth extractions, while common, are dental procedures that require specific tools, anesthesia, sterilization, and dental expertise. ER physicians are trained in emergency medicine, not dentistry.   Additionally: Liability laws often prohibit medical doctors from performing dental procedures. Hospitals lack dental equipment, including dental chairs, instruments, and suction devices used in extractions. Sterile protocols for surgical extractions differ from those used in general medicine. ERs are meant to stabilize—not solve—dental issues. This is why the ER should be viewed as a temporary option in urgent medical situations, not a place for routine or emergency tooth removal.   What to Do If You Need a Tooth Pulled and Can’t Afford It We understand that for many patients, cost is a major barrier to receiving timely dental care. If you’re dealing with a bad tooth and can’t afford a dentist, consider these low-cost or free alternatives.   Community Health Clinics Federally funded community health centers often have dental departments that provide tooth extractions and other services on a sliding scale based on your income.   Check with your local health department or visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate one near you.   Dental Schools Many dental schools offer low-cost services, including extractions, performed by students under the supervision of licensed dentists.   These services are often: High-quality Affordable Available for a range of procedures including surgical extractions Charitable Dental Programs Look into nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost care during outreach events: Mission of Mercy dental clinics Remote Area Medical (RAM) Dental Lifeline Network Local church missions or nonprofit health fairs At Asctorino, we encourage patients to explore these options and plan ahead whenever possible.   Urgent Care Dental Clinics Some dental clinics specialize in emergency appointments and offer same-day extractions. Many provide financing plans or discounted rates for patients without insurance.   Ask about: Payment plans Credit-based dental financing (CareCredit, LendingClub) In-house discount plans for uninsured patients Medicaid and State Insurance In some states, Medicaid covers emergency dental services, including extractions for adults. Eligibility and coverage vary by state, so be sure to check your local Medicaid guidelines.   Temporary Pain Relief Until You Can See a Dentist While waiting for an appointment, you can take steps to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.   Short-Term Relief Options: Saltwater rinse: Reduces