Symptoms, explained
Tooth pain: what it’s trying to tell you
Pain is information. When it starts, how long it lasts, and what sets it off all point to the cause. Here’s how we read the pattern — and how we fix it, starting with the gentlest option.
This page can’t diagnose you. Two different problems can cause the same pain. The tests in the chair — a cold test, a gentle tap, an X-ray — make the call. You’re not expected to know what’s causing it. That’s our job. This page just helps you understand what you’re feeling and what to expect.
The good news up front: most painful teeth can still be saved, especially when they’re seen early.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: swelling under the tongue or into the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, an eye swelling shut, or rapidly spreading facial swelling with fever. These are medical emergencies first and dental problems second.
A quick zing with cold or sweet things — gone in a second
A short zing with cold water or sweet food can have several causes, including an exposed root surface, decay or a problem with a filling. The pattern alone cannot show whether the tissue inside the tooth is healthy; examination and tests help establish the cause.
After an assessment, the options may include:
- Sometimes we just remove what’s irritating it — a desensitising toothpaste, fluoride varnish, or a small adjustment to a filling.
- If there’s decay: a filling may restore a suitable cavity after assessment.
- For suitable teeth with deep decay, a pulp cap or another protective pulp treatment may be considered. The aim is to preserve living tissue, but healing is not guaranteed. Your dentist explains the options, reviews and possible need for further treatment.
What you should do
Contact reception to describe the symptoms and arrange an assessment. Ask how soon you should be seen; worsening or persistent pain, swelling or injury needs urgent advice.
An ache that lingers, throbs, or wakes you at night
Lingering sensitivity, spontaneous throbbing or pain that wakes you can be signs of inflammation or another dental problem. They do not prove a particular diagnosis. Arrange prompt dental assessment, especially if pain is worsening or disrupting sleep.
Contact reception to check urgent dental assessment availability. The dentist first identifies the cause, then explains options to manage it and what treatment can reasonably be provided.
Severe tooth pain needs assessment. Antibiotics do not replace treatment of the source; a dentist decides whether they are indicated alongside dental care. Depending on the findings, treatment options may include:
- A pulpotomy removes part or all of the pulp in the crown of a suitable tooth, aiming to preserve living tissue in the roots. Your dentist explains whether it is appropriate, the review plan and the possibility of further treatment, including root canal treatment.
- Root canal treatment treats the tissue inside a suitable tooth with the aim of preserving it. A crown or another restoration may be needed afterwards; the dentist explains the options and likely outcome. (Root canal: from R3,500)
- Extraction if the tooth can’t be saved, or you choose not to — with an honest conversation about what, if anything, should replace it.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
Hot drinks set it off — but cold actually soothes it
Pain brought on by heat and relieved by cold can have several causes. It needs a dental assessment rather than a diagnosis from the pattern alone. Treatment depends on the findings, and relief cannot be promised before examination.
What you should do
Seek prompt dental advice. Reception can check availability during practice hours; contact another available dentist if urgent care is needed while we are closed.
It hurts when you bite or chew
Pain when chewing can happen for a few different reasons:
- a filling sitting slightly high, which may need adjustment
- a cracked tooth, which needs assessment to determine the extent and repair options
- inflammation or infection around a root, with treatment depending on the cause and condition of the tooth
Telling them apart is exactly what the bite test and X-ray are for.
One small detail helps us narrow it down: if the sharp pain comes as you let go after biting, tell us. That often points to a crack.
What you should do
Contact a dentist for advice and assessment, and avoid chewing on the affected side. Do not use the symptom pattern alone to decide that it can wait, especially after an injury or with worsening pain.
Swelling, a bad taste, feeling feverish — different rules apply
Swelling, a bad taste, feverishness or pain on biting can be signs of infection or another problem that needs urgent assessment. Dental treatment may include drainage or treatment of the affected tooth; antibiotics are used only when indicated. Contact reception for availability, or seek urgent care elsewhere if we are closed.
What you should do
Seek urgent dental assessment even if pain eases. If we are closed or cannot help promptly, contact an available dentist. Breathing or swallowing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs hospital emergency care.
What it costs
We quote before we treat, after assessment. Ask reception about fees and your medical aid; cover depends on your plan and benefits, and co-payments may apply.
Displayed “from” prices are starting amounts for straightforward cases, not the total cost of every treatment plan. After assessment, ask for an itemised quote confirming any consultation, retreatment and final restoration needed.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.