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Toothache rarely arrives at a good time. This guide explains what you can do straight away, how to tell when it needs to be seen urgently, and what to expect if you come to us at Pennington Dental in Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon.

What causes toothache?

Toothache is a sign that something needs looking at, rather than a problem in itself. Common causes include:

• tooth decay that has reached the inner part of the tooth
• a cracked or broken tooth, or a filling that has come out
• an infection at the root of a tooth (a dental abscess)
• gum problems, or food trapped between teeth
• a wisdom tooth coming through
• sensitive teeth, which tend to give short, sharp twinges with hot or cold

Pain that fades does not always mean the problem has gone, so it is still worth a check.

What you can do right now

While you wait to be seen, these steps can help ease the discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relief, following the instructions on the packet. A pharmacist can advise you on what is suitable for you.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water.
• Hold a cold compress against your cheek.
• Avoid very hot, very cold or sugary food and drinks, and try chewing on the other side.
• Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can damage the skin in your mouth.

Antibiotics are not usually the answer for toothache on their own. The cause needs to be found and treated, which is why seeing a dentist matters.

When is toothache urgent?

Call us as early in the day as you can if you have:

• toothache that keeps you awake or is not eased by pain relief
• swelling in your gum or face
• a broken tooth with a sharp edge, or a lost filling or crown that is causing pain
• an adult tooth that has been knocked out. Hold it by the crown (the white part, not the root), keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call us straight away.

Go to A&E or call 999 if swelling is spreading to your eye or neck, you are finding it hard to breathe, swallow or open your mouth, or bleeding will not stop after pressing on it firmly. If we are closed, NHS patients can call NHS 111 for advice. Denplan, Pennington Plan (membership plan) and private patients should call the practice as usual. The answerphone message will tell you how to reach Dr Fuz out of hours.

Getting seen in Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon

Both of our practices are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 17:30, and Kenilworth also opens on select Saturdays through the year (please call to check). We prioritise urgent problems such as severe toothache, swelling and broken teeth, and we do our best to see you as soon as possible. We work by appointment, so please call before coming in.

• Kenilworth: 37 High Street, CV8 1LY. Call 01926 863 236. There is street parking nearby and a pay-and-display car park at St Nicholas Church.
• Stratford-upon-Avon: Suite A, Elta House, Birmingham Road, CV37 0AQ. Call 01789 205 254. There is no parking on site, but there are local car parks nearby, including the car parks at the local shopping area. The practice has a ramp and an accessible toilet.

You can find more on our Kenilworth practice page, our Stratford-upon-Avon practice page, and our urgent care pages for Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon.

What happens at your appointment

Your dentist will ask about your pain and your medical history, examine the area and, if needed, take an X-ray. They will then explain what they have found and your options in plain language. Sometimes the first step is to get you out of pain and protect the tooth with a temporary dressing, with the permanent treatment booked for another day. Please tell us about any medicines you take or have taken, including bone-strengthening medicines such as bisphosphonates, as these can change how we plan some treatments.

What might treatment cost?

We will always explain your options and give you the cost before we start anything. An urgent (assessment) appointment is from £67. Here are some of the fees from our treatment costs page that can apply after toothache:

• X-rays: £17 each
• Composite (white) fillings: from £160
• Amalgam fillings: from £131.25
• Simple extraction: £204.75
• Moderate extraction: £241.50
• Complex extraction: £290
• Wisdom tooth removal: £385
• Surgical extraction: add £150 to any of the extraction fees above
• Crowns, if a tooth needs rebuilding later: porcelain bonded from £892.50, Emax from £997.50

Root canal treatment is from £493.50; the final fee depends on the tooth and how complex it is, and we will give you a quote before we start. Your dentist will talk you through every choice, including what happens if you leave it.

Can toothache be prevented?

Not always, but regular check-ups and hygiene visits can help spot problems such as decay or a cracked filling before they start to hurt. Our membership plan spreads the cost of your routine check-ups (and hygiene visits on most plans) into one monthly Direct Debit, with a discount on most treatments, although some exclusions apply. Children can join too and, for now, the price is the same as for adults. If you prefer to pay as you go, a routine check-up is £67 and a standard hygiene appointment is £78.50.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a same-day appointment for toothache?

We do our best to see urgent problems the same day during opening hours. Call as early in the day as you can to give yourself the best chance.

Can I just walk in?

We work by appointment, so please call first. That way we can make sure a dentist and the right equipment are ready for you.

Will I have to have the tooth out?

Not necessarily. Depending on the cause, a painful tooth can sometimes be repaired with a filling, root canal treatment or a crown. Your dentist will explain your options and the costs so you can decide.

What should I do if it happens when you are closed?

NHS patients can call NHS 111 for advice. Denplan, Pennington Plan (membership plan) and private patients should call the practice as usual. The answerphone message will tell you how to reach Dr Fuz out of hours. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or eye, or bleeding that will not stop.

In pain now? Call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254. For routine visits you can also book an appointment online.

Related articles

• Your first visit to Pennington Dental
• Dental membership plans explained
• Why hygienist appointments matter

Reviewed by Dr Fuz Jamall, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 2 November 2026.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.