Urgent care

Tooth pain and dental issues in Lehi

An aching tooth, sore gums or a tight jaw is a signal worth listening to. Phone (385) 452-6985 early. We will track down what is causing it and go over ways to bring relief.

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What causes tooth pain?

The usual suspects are cavities, cracks, infection, gum trouble and grinding. Pain can also fool you, showing up in one tooth while the problem sits next door. Testing and x-rays let your dentist pin down where it really starts, so treatment aims at the right spot.

Pain that comes and goes still deserves a look
Problems found early tend to be simpler to fix
Certain warning signs mean go to the ER

Problems we can help with

Here are some of the aches our team sees most often:

A throbbing tooth from a cavity or an infection
A cracked, chipped or broken tooth
Zings of sensitivity with cold drinks, hot coffee or candy
Gums that bleed, feel tender or are pulling away from teeth because of gum disease
A sore jaw from clenching or grinding
Pressure from a tooth that is stuck or growing in crooked

Skip the dental office and go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if swelling spreads toward the eye or neck, a high fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Those signs can point to an infection that is spreading.

For any other ache, phone (385) 452-6985 early in the day. Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm, Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm, Thursday 7 am to 4 pm and Friday 8 am to 2 pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.

What to expect

Your story first. Tell us where it hurts, when it began and what helps or makes it worse.
Finding the source. An exam, x-rays and a check of your bite and gums narrow it down.
Clear choices. You learn what is wrong and the ways to treat it, explained without jargon.
Treatment. The fix matches the cause. That could be a filling, a root canal, a deep gum cleaning or a night guard. When a tooth is beyond repair, removing it may be the answer.

Getting by until you are seen

Swish with warm salt water to keep the sore spot clean.
Hold a cold pack against your cheek if it is puffy.
Use a pain reliever only as the package or your dentist says.
Steer clear of icy, steaming or sugary foods, and chew with the other side.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about tooth pain and dental issues

The ache stopped. Can I skip my visit?

Please keep it. Sometimes pain fades because things are healing. Other times it fades because the nerve inside the tooth is dying. Only an exam can tell which, and catching it now can keep it from getting bigger.

What makes a tooth hurt only when I chew?

Biting pain often points to a crack, a filling that sits too high, a cavity or an infection at the root tip. Simple tests on the tooth help your dentist figure out which.

Will an infected tooth heal by itself?

Rarely. Most infected teeth need treatment such as a root canal or removal. Antibiotics can help in certain cases, but they cannot repair the tooth.

Why is my jaw sore when I wake up?

Clenching or grinding during sleep is a common cause. Your dentist can check your teeth for wear and talk through choices like a night guard.

How do I know if tooth pain is an emergency?

If swelling spreads toward the eye or neck, a high fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Severe pain without those signs is a reason to phone our office right away.

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