Causes of Severe Toothache
The most common cause is decay reaching the nerve and causing pulp inflammation (pulpitis); this pain is throbbing and worsens at night. An abscess forms when inflammation accumulating at the root creates pressure, and comes with swelling. A cracked tooth gives a sharp pain on biting. The right treatment is chosen only after the cause is identified.
Why isn't a painkiller enough?
A painkiller temporarily reduces the signal, but the inflammation keeps advancing. When the drug wears off, the pain often returns more severely. The lasting solution is to remove the cause with root canal treatment or the necessary procedure.
When Is Toothache an Emergency?
Pain that wakes you from sleep, does not respond to painkillers, or comes with fever or facial swelling is an emergency and should be seen within hours. Sensitivity that briefly rises with hot or cold and then passes can usually be solved with a planned appointment.
