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title: “Emergency Toothache Relief in Hillsboro | Same-Day Appointments”
description: “Severe toothache? Get same-day emergency dental care in Hillsboro. Dr. Ostovar provides immediate pain relief for dental emergencies. Call (503) 614-0198 now for urgent care.”
keywords: “emergency toothache Hillsboro, tooth pain relief Beaverton, dental emergency Aloha, same-day dentist Hillsboro, urgent dental care”

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Emergency Toothache Relief in Hillsboro, Oregon

A severe toothache can be excruciating, disruptive, and frightening. When dental pain strikes, you need immediate relief and expert care from a dentist who understands the urgency of your situation. At Evergreen Dental Care in Hillsboro, Dr. Ostovar provides same-day emergency appointments for patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Aloha who are experiencing dental pain and need urgent treatment.

Do not suffer through another moment of tooth pain. Call our office immediately at (503) 614-0198, and we will schedule an emergency appointment as quickly as possible, often the same day. Dr. Ostovar will diagnose the cause of your pain, provide immediate relief, and develop a treatment plan to resolve the underlying problem and restore your oral health.

Understanding Dental Pain and Toothaches

Tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. Unlike minor sensitivity that comes and goes, a true toothache involves persistent, intense pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, working, and daily activities. The pain may be throbbing, sharp, constant, or triggered by specific stimuli like hot, cold, or pressure.

Dental pain should never be ignored or dismissed as something that will resolve on its own. While the pain may temporarily subside, the underlying problem almost always worsens without professional treatment. What begins as manageable discomfort can quickly escalate into a severe infection that threatens not only your tooth but your overall health.

Understanding the potential causes of your toothache helps you appreciate the importance of seeking immediate professional care rather than attempting to manage the pain with over-the-counter medications alone.

Common Causes of Emergency Toothaches

Toothaches can result from various dental conditions, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Dr. Ostovar performs a thorough examination to identify the exact cause of your pain and provide targeted treatment that addresses the underlying problem.

Dental Decay and Cavities

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches. When bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, cavities form. If left untreated, decay progresses deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the inner pulp tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay reaches this pulp, intense pain results.

Early cavities may cause only mild sensitivity, but advanced decay produces severe, persistent pain that worsens with temperature changes, sweet foods, or pressure. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and you may notice visible holes, dark spots, or rough areas on the affected tooth.

Treatment for decay-related toothaches depends on the extent of damage. Small to moderate cavities can be treated with dental fillings that remove decay and restore tooth structure. More extensive decay that has reached the pulp requires root canal therapy to remove infected tissue and save the tooth.

Dental Abscess and Infection

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, typically resulting from untreated decay, deep cracks, or gum disease. Abscesses cause severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck. You may also experience fever, facial swelling, a foul taste in your mouth, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.

Dental abscesses are serious infections that require immediate treatment. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues and, in rare cases, enter the bloodstream, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Never attempt to treat an abscess at home or delay seeking professional care.

Treatment involves draining the abscess, removing infected tissue through root canal therapy or extraction, and prescribing antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Dr. Ostovar prioritizes abscess cases for same-day emergency appointments due to the serious nature of dental infections.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

Teeth can crack from trauma, grinding, biting hard objects, or weakening due to large fillings or previous dental work. Cracks may be visible or microscopic, but both can cause significant pain, especially when biting or when the crack opens and closes, irritating the pulp tissue inside.

Cracked tooth pain is often sharp and sudden, occurring when you bite down or release pressure. You may also experience sensitivity to temperature changes. The pain may be intermittent and difficult to localize, making it challenging to identify which tooth is affected without professional examination.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack. Small cracks may be repaired with dental bonding or a crown to protect the tooth and prevent the crack from worsening. Deeper cracks that extend into the pulp require root canal therapy and crown placement. Vertical cracks that extend below the gum line may necessitate extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.

Lost or Damaged Filling or Crown

When a filling or crown becomes loose, falls out, or breaks, the exposed tooth structure becomes vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, and further damage. The nerve endings inside the tooth are no longer protected, causing discomfort when exposed to temperature changes, air, pressure, or food particles.

If you lose a filling or crown, call our office immediately for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the exposed area and reduce sensitivity. Avoid chewing on the affected side and maintain gentle oral hygiene around the tooth.

Dr. Ostovar will examine the tooth, remove any decay that may have developed beneath the restoration, and place a new filling or crown to restore protection and function. Prompt treatment prevents further damage and the need for more extensive procedures.

Gum Disease and Periodontal Abscess

Advanced gum disease can cause significant pain when infection develops in the gum tissue and supporting bone. A periodontal abscess forms when bacteria become trapped in a periodontal pocket, causing a localized infection that produces swelling, tenderness, and throbbing pain.

Gum disease-related pain may be accompanied by red, swollen gums, bleeding, pus discharge, loose teeth, and a bad taste in your mouth. The pain typically localizes to the gum area rather than the tooth itself, though advanced cases can affect both.

Treatment involves draining the abscess, deep cleaning to remove bacteria and tartar from below the gum line, and antibiotics if the infection is severe. Long-term management of gum disease through regular periodontal maintenance prevents future abscesses and protects your oral health.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that do not have adequate space to erupt properly can become impacted, causing significant pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth may push against adjacent teeth, causing crowding and discomfort, or they may partially erupt, creating an opening for bacteria to enter and cause infection.

Pain from impacted wisdom teeth typically occurs at the back of the mouth, may radiate to the jaw and ear, and often worsens over time. You may experience swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste from infection.

Treatment usually involves extraction of the impacted wisdom teeth. Dr. Ostovar provides gentle wisdom tooth removal, often with sedation options for patient comfort. Removing problematic wisdom teeth eliminates pain and prevents future complications.

Sinus Infection and Referred Pain

Sometimes what feels like a toothache is actually pain referred from a sinus infection. The roots of upper back teeth are located very close to the maxillary sinuses, and when these sinuses become infected and inflamed, the pressure can cause tooth pain.

Sinus-related tooth pain typically affects multiple upper back teeth rather than a single tooth, increases when bending over or lying down, and is accompanied by other sinus symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure, and headache.

Dr. Ostovar can distinguish between sinus-related pain and true dental problems through examination and x-rays. If your pain is sinus-related, he may recommend decongestants, antihistamines, or refer you to your physician for treatment of the sinus infection.

Teeth Grinding and TMJ Disorders

Chronic teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can cause significant tooth pain, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage. The excessive pressure from grinding wears down enamel, can crack teeth, and strains the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Pain from grinding typically affects multiple teeth, is worse in the morning after nighttime grinding, and may be accompanied by jaw soreness, headaches, and worn tooth surfaces. You may notice that your teeth appear shorter, flatter, or more sensitive than before.

Treatment includes a custom nightguard to protect teeth from grinding damage, stress management techniques, and sometimes physical therapy or medication for TMJ disorders. Addressing grinding prevents further damage and eliminates the associated pain.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately

While any persistent tooth pain warrants professional evaluation, certain symptoms indicate a dental emergency requiring immediate care. Contact our office right away or visit an emergency room if you experience:

Severe, Unbearable Pain

Pain that is so intense you cannot eat, sleep, work, or function normally requires immediate attention. This level of pain indicates a serious problem like advanced infection or nerve damage that needs urgent treatment.

Facial Swelling

Swelling in your face, jaw, or neck, especially when accompanied by tooth pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, indicates a spreading infection that requires emergency treatment. Facial swelling can progress rapidly and potentially compromise your airway, making it a medical emergency.

High Fever

A fever accompanying tooth pain suggests a significant infection that has spread beyond the tooth. Fever, chills, and general malaise indicate your body is fighting a serious infection that requires immediate antibiotic therapy and dental treatment.

Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing

If facial swelling or throat swelling makes it difficult to swallow or breathe, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. This represents a potentially life-threatening complication of dental infection.

Trauma or Injury

If your toothache results from facial trauma, a fall, or an accident, seek immediate care to assess for tooth fractures, jaw fractures, or other injuries requiring urgent treatment.

Bleeding That Will Not Stop

While some bleeding with tooth pain is not unusual, persistent bleeding that continues for more than 10-15 minutes despite applying pressure requires emergency evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Toothache Appointment

When you call our office with a dental emergency, our team prioritizes your care and schedules you for the first available appointment, often the same day. Understanding what to expect helps reduce anxiety and allows you to prepare for your visit.

Initial Assessment and Triage

When you call, our team asks about your symptoms, pain level, and how long you have been experiencing discomfort. This information helps us assess the severity of your situation and schedule your appointment appropriately. For severe emergencies, we see you immediately, while less urgent situations may be scheduled for later the same day or the next morning.

Comprehensive Examination

When you arrive for your emergency appointment, Dr. Ostovar performs a thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues. He evaluates the tooth visually, checks for cracks or damage, tests response to temperature and pressure, and examines the gums for signs of infection or disease.

He also palpates the area to identify swelling, tenderness, or lymph node enlargement that may indicate infection. This hands-on examination, combined with your description of symptoms, provides important diagnostic information.

Diagnostic Imaging

X-rays are essential for diagnosing the cause of tooth pain. Digital x-rays reveal decay that may not be visible to the naked eye, show the extent of infection, identify cracks or fractures, evaluate the bone surrounding the tooth, and assess the tooth’s root structure and nerve chamber.

Our advanced digital x-ray system provides high-quality images instantly while exposing you to minimal radiation. In complex cases, we may use 3D cone beam CT imaging to visualize the tooth and surrounding structures in three dimensions for the most accurate diagnosis.

Immediate Pain Relief

Dr. Ostovar’s first priority is providing relief from your pain. Depending on the cause and severity, pain relief may involve local anesthesia to numb the affected area, draining an abscess to release pressure and eliminate infection, removing decay that is irritating the nerve, performing emergency root canal therapy to remove inflamed pulp tissue, or prescribing pain medication and antibiotics.

Many patients experience significant relief immediately after treatment, while others notice gradual improvement over the following 24-48 hours as infection resolves and inflammation subsides.

Treatment Planning

After addressing your immediate pain and stabilizing the emergency situation, Dr. Ostovar discusses the recommended treatment plan for fully resolving the problem. This may include completing a root canal, placing a crown, extracting a tooth that cannot be saved, or treating gum disease.

He explains your options, answers your questions, provides cost estimates, and works with you to schedule follow-up appointments for completing treatment. Our goal is not just to relieve your pain temporarily, but to solve the underlying problem and restore your long-term oral health.

Home Care for Toothache Relief While Awaiting Your Appointment

If you cannot get to our office immediately, these measures can help manage your pain until you receive professional care. However, home remedies are temporary solutions only and do not replace the need for professional treatment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often more effective than acetaminophen (Tylenol) for dental pain because it reduces inflammation as well as pain. Take as directed on the package, typically 400-600mg every 6-8 hours. Acetaminophen can be taken in addition to ibuprofen for additional relief if needed.

Avoid aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Never exceed recommended dosages, and check with your physician if you have medical conditions or take medications that may interact with pain relievers.

Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Cold reduces swelling and numbs pain temporarily. Repeat every few hours as needed, but always place a cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent tissue damage.

Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the area. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, swish gently around your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit out. Repeat several times daily.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Stay away from very hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages that may trigger or worsen pain. Stick to lukewarm, soft foods that require minimal chewing. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the painful tooth.

Elevate Your Head

When lying down, prop your head up with extra pillows. Lying flat can increase blood flow to the affected area and intensify throbbing pain. Elevation reduces pressure and may provide some relief.

Temporary Dental Cement

If a filling or crown has fallen out, you can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the exposed tooth and reduce sensitivity. This is a short-term solution only; you still need professional treatment to permanently restore the tooth.

What to Avoid

Do not apply aspirin or other medications directly to the gum tissue, as this can cause chemical burns. Do not use heat on the outside of your face, as this can worsen swelling and spread infection. Do not ignore severe symptoms like facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, which require immediate emergency care.

Preventing Future Toothaches

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many toothaches can be prevented through consistent oral hygiene and regular professional care.

Maintain Excellent Daily Hygiene

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by Dr. Ostovar. This routine removes bacteria and food particles that cause decay and gum disease.

Attend Regular Dental Checkups

Professional cleanings and examinations every six months allow Dr. Ostovar to identify and treat small problems before they become painful emergencies. Regular care prevents most dental problems and saves you from pain, inconvenience, and costly emergency treatments.

Address Problems Promptly

If you notice sensitivity, minor pain, or changes in your teeth or gums, schedule an appointment rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. Early treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and more affordable than emergency care for advanced problems.

Protect Your Teeth

If you grind your teeth at night, wear a custom nightguard to prevent damage. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect against trauma. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Limit sugary foods and beverages that fuel cavity-causing bacteria. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and maintain healthy saliva production. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins that support strong teeth and healthy gums.

Advanced Technology for Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment

Evergreen Dental Care utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective emergency care. Our digital x-ray system provides instant, high-quality images with minimal radiation exposure, allowing Dr. Ostovar to identify problems quickly and begin treatment without delay.

For complex cases, our 3D cone beam CT scanner captures detailed three-dimensional images of teeth, bone, and surrounding structures, revealing issues that may not be visible on traditional x-rays. This advanced imaging ensures nothing is overlooked and allows for precise treatment planning.

We also use intraoral cameras that display magnified images of your teeth on a screen, allowing you to see exactly what Dr. Ostovar sees and understand your condition and treatment options clearly. This visual communication helps you feel informed and confident in your care.

Sedation Options for Anxious Patients

We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, and many patients experience anxiety about dental treatment, especially when in pain. Evergreen Dental Care offers sedation dentistry options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your emergency appointment.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides mild to moderate sedation while allowing you to remain conscious and responsive. The effects wear off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home after your appointment. For patients who need deeper relaxation, oral conscious sedation uses medication taken before your appointment to induce a deeply relaxed state.

Dr. Ostovar discusses sedation options with you and recommends the approach best suited to your anxiety level and the complexity of your emergency treatment.

Why Choose Evergreen Dental Care for Emergency Toothache Care

When you are in pain, you need a dentist who responds quickly, provides effective treatment, and treats you with compassion and respect. Dr. Ostovar and our team prioritize emergency patients, offering same-day appointments for urgent situations whenever possible.

Dr. Ostovar brings extensive experience, gentle technique, and a commitment to patient comfort to every emergency case. He takes time to diagnose the problem accurately, explain your condition in terms you understand, and provide effective treatment that addresses both your immediate pain and the underlying cause.

Our modern office is equipped with advanced technology that allows for efficient diagnosis and treatment, minimizing your time in pain and getting you back to normal life as quickly as possible. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for patients without insurance.

Related Emergency and Restorative Services

In addition to emergency toothache care, we provide comprehensive emergency dental services including broken tooth emergency treatment, treatment for knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and other urgent dental problems requiring same-day care.

Our restorative dentistry services address the underlying problems that cause toothaches, including dental fillings for cavities, root canal therapy for infected teeth, dental crowns for damaged teeth, and tooth extraction when teeth cannot be saved.

We also offer dental implants to replace extracted teeth, sedation dentistry for anxious patients, and comprehensive preventive dentistry to help you avoid future dental emergencies.

Contact Us Immediately for Emergency Toothache Relief

Do not suffer through another moment of dental pain. If you are experiencing a toothache or dental emergency, call Evergreen Dental Care in Hillsboro immediately at (503) 614-0198. Our team will schedule you for the earliest possible appointment and provide the urgent care you need to eliminate pain and restore your oral health.

We serve patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and surrounding communities with compassionate, expert emergency dental care when you need it most. Call now and let us help you feel better fast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Toothaches

How quickly can I be seen for an emergency toothache?

We prioritize emergency patients and typically schedule same-day appointments for severe toothaches and dental pain. When you call our office, describe your symptoms and pain level, and we will schedule you for the first available opening, often within hours. For after-hours emergencies, our answering service provides instructions for reaching Dr. Ostovar.

What should I do if my toothache starts at night or on the weekend?

For severe pain, facial swelling, high fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately. For pain that is manageable but concerning, take over-the-counter pain medication, use a cold compress, rinse with salt water, and call our office first thing in the morning to schedule an emergency appointment. Our answering service is available after hours for urgent situations.

Will I need a root canal for my toothache?

Not all toothaches require root canals. The necessary treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Small cavities may only need fillings, while cracks may be repaired with crowns or bonding. However, if decay or infection has reached the pulp tissue inside your tooth, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth and eliminate pain. Dr. Ostovar performs a thorough examination and diagnostic imaging to determine the exact cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.

How much does emergency toothache treatment cost?

The cost depends on what treatment is necessary to resolve your pain. An emergency examination and x-rays typically cost $75-200, while treatment costs vary based on the procedure needed. Simple fillings may cost $150-300, while root canals range from $600-1,200 depending on the tooth. We provide cost estimates before treatment and work with your insurance to maximize coverage. Payment plans are available for patients without insurance.

Can antibiotics cure my toothache without dental treatment?

No. While antibiotics help eliminate infection and may temporarily reduce pain, they cannot cure the underlying problem causing your toothache. The source of infection, whether decay, a crack, or gum disease, must be treated dentally. Antibiotics alone allow the problem to worsen and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Always seek professional dental treatment for toothaches, even if antibiotics provide temporary relief.

Is it safe to pull my own tooth if it hurts?

Absolutely not. Attempting to extract your own tooth can cause severe complications including incomplete extraction leaving root fragments, damage to adjacent teeth, severe bleeding, serious infection, and jaw fractures. Dental extraction requires proper anesthesia, specialized instruments, and professional expertise to be performed safely. If a tooth is causing severe pain and needs extraction, call our office for an emergency appointment.

How can I tell if my toothache is a dental emergency?

Severe, constant pain that interferes with daily activities, facial or neck swelling, high fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, heavy bleeding, or pain from trauma all constitute dental emergencies requiring immediate care. Mild to moderate pain that is manageable with over-the-counter medication should still be evaluated within 24-48 hours. When in doubt, call our office and describe your symptoms; we will advise you on how urgently you need to be seen.