If you’re experiencing toothaches, swelling, or sensitivity, it may be caused by a cavity, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or an infection. Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth to find the cause and recommend the best solution, which may include a filling, root canal, deep cleaning, or, in some cases, removing the tooth. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to stop it from spreading, and pain relief options are available to keep you comfortable. Don’t ignore tooth pain—it’s your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
Toothache & Tooth Infection Treatment in Burtonsville, MD
If you're struggling with severe tooth pain, call our office immediately as it can be a sign of infection. We're here to help relieve your pain and find the root of the issue as soon as possible.
Treating Dental Pain and Infection
Treating Pain with a Root Canal
A root canal is a common and highly effective treatment for relieving dental pain and saving a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. During the procedure, your dentist carefully removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then seals the space to prevent further infection. Finally, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to strengthen it and restore normal function. Root canals not only stop pain and eliminate infection but also allow you to keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it. While root canals have a reputation for being extremely uncomfortable, that couldn’t be further from the truth. With modern techniques and sedation, most patients experience mild soreness, if any, after the procedure.
Treating Tooth Pain with Fillings
A filling is a simple and effective way to treat cavities and repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. During the procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth, thoroughly cleans the area, and fills it with a durable material such as composite resin that blends naturally with your smile. This not only restores the tooth’s strength and function but also prevents the decay from spreading further. Fillings are a quick, routine treatment that helps relieve sensitivity or discomfort caused by cavities and allows you to chew and smile.
Extracting an Infected Tooth
A tooth extraction is sometimes the best option when a tooth is too badly damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved with other treatments. During the procedure, your dentist carefully removes the tooth to relieve pain and prevent the problem from spreading to surrounding teeth and gums. Extractions are performed with local anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable, and your dentist will provide clear aftercare instructions to support healing. While losing a tooth can feel overwhelming, extractions are often the first step toward restoring your oral health, and replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can help rebuild your smile. This treatment can bring lasting relief.
Financial Information
We know that dealing with tooth pain and infection is already stressful enough without worrying about your dental bill. We want to make treatment as stress-free and affordable as possible for our patients. That’s why we offer a variety of financial options to fit different needs and budgets. Depending on your insurance plan, some or all of your treatment may be covered, and our team can help you maximize your benefits. For out-of-pocket costs, we provide flexible payment plans and work with trusted financing partners CareCredit® and Sunbit so you can break payments into manageable monthly installments. If you don’t have insurance, ask about our in-house membership program designed to help you save. Our goal is to ensure finances never stand in the way of getting the care you need, especially during an emergency.
Financial OptionsInsurance Providers
Our team is knowledgeable about dental insurance, so we’re happy to file and track your claims for you to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your benefits. We just ask that you bring your insurance card to each appointment, so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible.
We're Here to Help to Alleviate Your Pain
Dr. Eric Endres, DDS
General Dentistry
Dr. Eric Endres graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed a highly competitive residency at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah to achieve advanced skills in implantology, restorative dentistry, and sedation. Dr. Eric and his wife Dr. Elise are the owners of Endres Dental Care.
Dr. Aaron Nicholas, DDS
General Dentistry
Dr. Aaron Nicholas is a part of many dental associations and was picked as one of Washington’s Top Dentists by Washingtonian Magazine. He has been chosen every year as a “Top Doctor” by the Consumer Council of America since 2004.
Dr. Stephen Tigani, DDS
Orthodontics
Dr. Stephen Tigani graduated from Georgetown University, received his DDS degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and completed his orthodontic residency at Columbia -University. He is the past president of the DC Dental Society and a delegate of the American Dental Association.
Dr. Elise Tigani Endres, DDS
Orthodontics
Dr. Elise completed both her DDS degree and her orthodontic residency at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She also has abundant research experience and several publications in oral health and orthodontics. Dr. Elise and her husband Dr. Eric are the owners of Endres Dental Care.
FAQs
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What causes dental pain or infection?
Tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, gum disease, or untreated cavities can all lead to pain and infection. Sometimes an abscess (a pocket of infection) forms, which needs immediate attention.
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How do I know if I have a dental infection?
Common signs include throbbing tooth pain, swelling in the gums or face, sensitivity to hot or cold, and sometimes fever. If you experience these symptoms, you should call our office right away. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body.
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Will I be in pain during treatment?
Your comfort is our priority. Local anesthesia and sedation are used for most procedures to keep you pain-free and relaxed.
