Toothache at night or at the weekend: what to do and when it's urgent
When toothache starts, first judge how severe it is and whether there's swelling or fever. Swelling spreading to the face or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and a high temperature are emergencies; otherwise, painkillers and cold compresses can bring relief until you're seen.
Which situations are urgent?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Swelling spreading to the face, under the eye or neck, with fever | See a dentist the same day; if swallowing or breathing is difficult, go to hospital A&E immediately |
| A permanent tooth knocked out | Hold it by the crown, not the root, keep it in milk and see a dentist as soon as possible (ideally within an hour) |
| Bleeding that won't stop (after extraction) | Press with gauze for 30 minutes; if it continues, call the clinic or go to A&E |
| Throbbing pain that keeps you awake | Painkiller and the earliest available appointment |
| Broken tooth, lost filling or crown | If there's no pain, an appointment within a few days |
What can you do at home until you're seen?
- Take a painkiller you've used before and that suits you, at the dose on the leaflet.
- If there's swelling, apply cold to the outside of the cheek; don't apply heat.
- If food is stuck between teeth, remove it gently with floss.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods.
Common causes of toothache
| Symptom | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Brief twinge with cold | Sensitivity, exposed root or small cavity |
| Lingering pain made worse by heat | Nerve inflammation; root canal treatment may be needed |
| Pain on biting | Infection at the root, cracked tooth or high filling |
| Pain at the back with limited mouth opening | Inflammation around a wisdom tooth |
| Gum swelling with discharge | Abscess |
Nerve inflammation and abscesses often need root canal treatment; for pain from wisdom teeth, see our wisdom tooth guide.
Broken tooth or lost crown: what to do
If you can find the broken piece, keep it in a clean container; on front teeth it can sometimes be bonded back. If a sharp edge irritates your tongue or cheek, cover it with sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax.
Don't glue a lost crown back yourself. Keep it and call the clinic. For other crown problems, see our guide to care after crowns.
A dentist open at weekends in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 sees patients seven days a week at its clinic on the E-5 service road in Beylikdüzü. For toothache that starts in the evening or at the weekend, message us on WhatsApp for the earliest available time. Sending a photo and describing your symptoms helps us prioritise. Find our contact details here.
If facial swelling is growing quickly or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Does toothache go away on its own?
The pain can ease temporarily, but that doesn't mean the problem is solved. A dying nerve can stop hurting while infection continues at the root. Even if the pain goes, get it checked.
Are antibiotics enough for a dental abscess?
Antibiotics can help control spreading infection but don't remove the cause. A lasting solution needs root canal treatment or extraction.
Which painkiller should I take for toothache at night?
You can take a painkiller you've used before and that suits you, at the dose on the leaflet. If you have a chronic condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, ask a pharmacist.
Can I get a weekend appointment?
Yes. Our clinic is open seven days a week; message us on WhatsApp for an available time.
