A cavity (caries)
The most common cause. First sensitive to sweet, hot or cold, later a nagging pain. Caught in time it is a small filling.
Toothache is unpleasant and rarely goes away on its own. On this page you will read what you can do now, what the cause may be and when you need a dentist in Rotterdam West quickly. Feel free to call us, even if you are not a patient yet.
Toothache often comes at the worst possible moment, in the evening or at the weekend. A few safe steps can temporarily ease the pain until you can see the dentist. They do not solve the cause, but they help you through the night.
Take a painkiller according to the leaflet, for example paracetamol or ibuprofen. Place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water and keep your head slightly raised at night with an extra pillow. Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet. Never place an aspirin or clove oil directly on your gums, as that damages the tissue.
Important: toothache rarely goes away on its own. If the pain fades, it can even mean the nerve is dying and the inflammation is spreading. So always make an appointment at Tandarts West, your dentist in Rotterdam West. Read also how good habits prevent problems with your teeth.
The right treatment depends on the cause. These are the most common.
The most common cause. First sensitive to sweet, hot or cold, later a nagging pain. Caught in time it is a small filling.
When caries reaches the nerve, a throbbing, persistent pain develops (pulpitis). Often a root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth.
A gum inflammation or an erupting wisdom tooth causes pressure and pain at the back of the mouth, sometimes with a swollen cheek.
Usually toothache can wait until the next appointment. With these signs you call quickly.
A swollen cheek or face can point to an abscess or spreading infection. Call the same day.
Fever, chills or feeling ill with toothache is a reason to get in touch quickly.
Throbbing pain that does not respond to painkillers or keeps you awake should be assessed soon.
Difficulty swallowing, opening your mouth or breathing is an alarm sign. Contact us directly or go to the emergency department.
Tandarts West can be reached during opening hours on 010 846 6539. Outside opening hours you will find the regional emergency line on our emergency page. This information is general guidance and does not replace personal advice from your dentist.
First find the cause, then treat it in a targeted and comfortable way.
We listen to your complaint, examine the tooth and usually take an X-ray to see the cause.
If needed we anaesthetise the tooth so you feel no pain and we can calmly see what is going on.
Depending on the cause: a filling, a root canal treatment or calming an infection.
We explain how to prevent a repeat, because prevention is better than cure. If needed we plan a follow-up.
The NZa sets the rates. The cost depends on the examination and the treatment that is needed.
Patients under 18: examination and treatment covered by basic insurance. For adults via supplementary dental insurance. Questions about cost?
Call us during opening hours and we will look right away at what is possible. Not a patient yet? You register easily, usually without a waiting list.