Condition Guide · When a Tooth Hurts
When a Tooth Hurts
Toothache refers to pain arising from a tooth or the surrounding tissues. Causes are varied — including dental caries, pulpitis (nerve inflammation), tooth fracture, and periodontal abscess — and it is recommended that the underlying cause be confirmed through precision imaging such as 3D CT before a treatment approach is determined.
Treatment options for this condition
About this condition
The causes of toothache are known to be varied, encompassing dental caries, pulpitis (nerve inflammation), tooth fracture, and periodontal abscess. Because the treatment approach differs with each cause, accurate diagnosis is critical.
At Dr. Beauty Dental Hospital in Uijeongbu, 3D CT and an intraoral camera (QLF) are used to identify the source of pain. Early-stage decay may be guided toward same-day composite resin treatment, while cases that have progressed to the nerve undergo root canal therapy followed by crown protection. A painless anesthesia system is employed to minimize procedural discomfort.
Check yourself
Check if this applies to you.
If a tooth is painful, visiting a dental clinic as soon as possible is advisable. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause, and delaying care is reported to expand the scope of necessary treatment. Dr. Beauty Dental Hospital uses 3D CT and an intraoral camera (QLF) to identify the source of pain before outlining a treatment plan.
Causes
Why this condition occurs.
- 01
Dental decay that has progressed to the nerve
- 02
A cracked or fractured tooth
- 03
Periodontal abscess (infection at the root apex)
- 04
Wisdom tooth eruption irritating the surrounding gum tissue
Want to know exactly where you stand?
Start with a CT and intraoral scanner diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment options for your condition.
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Treatment
Cavity Treatment
Depending on the extent of decay, restoration is performed with composite resin, inlay, or crown.
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Treatment
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Therapy)
The infected pulp is removed and the root canal is filled; a crown is then placed to preserve the natural tooth.
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Treatment
Dental Implant
When preservation is no longer possible and extraction is required, an implant restores function.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
- Q. My toothache is severe — can I be seen the same day?
Same-day appointments are available in many cases. Dr. Beauty Dental Hospital offers extended hours until 8 PM on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as Saturday and Sunday clinic sessions; however, wait times may occur depending on the appointment schedule.
On arrival, 3D CT and an intraoral camera (QLF) are used to identify the cause of pain, and emergency management along with a step-by-step treatment plan will be provided.
If you are in pain, please call +82 31 855 7528 and we will assist you as promptly as possible.
- Q. How long does recovery take?
It depends on the cause of the toothache. Early decay often allows same-visit composite resin treatment; when root canal therapy is needed, two to four appointments over approximately one to two months is the typical timeframe reported.
Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction is generally reported to take about one to two weeks, while impacted wisdom teeth may involve swelling and discomfort for up to four weeks.
Individual variation in recovery is reported to depend on the patient's immune status and overall health.
- Q. How much does treatment cost?
Cavity and root canal treatments are covered by national health insurance with a relatively low patient co-payment, although some crown materials are non-covered.
Implants are non-covered (patients aged 65 or older are known to be eligible for insurance on up to two implants over a lifetime — as of 2024); standard wisdom tooth extraction is covered, while some impacted extractions are partially non-covered.
Item-by-item reference fees are listed on the [Non-Covered Fee Schedule](https://dbdh.co.kr/community/pricing).
- Q. What side effects can occur during or after treatment?
Transient sensitivity is the most commonly reported side effect following cavity treatment and typically resolves within a few days. After root canal therapy, a dull ache or sensitivity for several days is possible, with individual variation noted.
Swelling and pain after wisdom tooth extraction generally resolve within three to seven days; with impacted teeth, a rare transient sensory disturbance (numbness of the tongue or lip) has been reported. At Dr. Beauty Dental Hospital, 3D CT is used to evaluate the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve canal in advance to minimize this risk.
The painless anesthesia system is also used to reduce intraoperative discomfort.
- Q. How can I check my own condition at home?
Please check the following: ① Sensitivity to cold or heat (and how long it lingers). ② Whether a specific tooth is painful when chewing. ③ Whether pain persists into the night. ④ Whether the gum appears swollen or an abscess is visible. ⑤ Whether the gum around a wisdom tooth swells frequently.
In particular, spontaneous or nocturnal pain is associated with possible pulp involvement — prompt dental attendance is recommended in these cases.
Consultations are available by calling +82 31 855 7528.
- Q. How should I care for myself after treatment?
Regular check-ups every six months are recommended for early detection of incipient decay. After root canal therapy, crown placement is essential to prevent tooth fracture.
Proper daily brushing, floss and interdental brush use, and annual insurance-covered scaling constitute the foundational maintenance regimen, as is well established.
For children and adolescents, dental sealants (preventive treatment) may be additionally recommended and will be discussed at routine check-up visits.
Next step
When a Tooth Hurts, start with a diagnosis.
Online consultations are accepted 24/7, with responses within one business day. If you'd like to learn how treatment works, visit our treatment guide page.