What we treat today
Toothache and swollen gums
A toothache visit finds the tooth that hurts, calms it down, and tells you what it needs next.
This visit is for pain that won't let up, pain that wakes you at night, or a swollen or tender gum. If your face is swelling, or it's hard to breathe or swallow, go to an emergency room or call 911 first.
What happens
Usually one visit to calm the tooth. The repair, or a root canal at another office, may take one to three more.
- 01
Step 1: You call, and we ask a few questions
What hurts, since when, and whether there's swelling. We tell you whether to come in now or go to an emergency room.
- 02
Step 2: The dentist finds the tooth
An exam and, if it will change what we do, an X-ray. She shows you what she sees.
- 03
Step 3: You get the estimate
In writing, each step and its fee. You decide before we begin.
- 04
Step 4: We treat it or calm it down
That can mean a repair, a temporary one, or medicine if the dentist decides you need it. A root canal goes to an endodontist.
Comfort, waiting and after-care
Comfort
We numb the area before we work. Raise your hand and we stop. Tell us when you call if dentists make you anxious, and we'll go at your pace.
If you wait
Pain from a tooth often comes back and can get worse. An infection can spread. Waiting can also turn a repair into a removal. The dentist tells you what she sees and what each choice means.
Risks and after-care
Numbing can leave your lip and cheek numb for a few hours, so wait to eat. A tooth can stay tender for a day or two. The dentist explains the risks of the treatment she recommends, and what to call us about afterward.
How it's billed
You pay at the visit, after a written estimate. Your receipt is itemized so a plan that reimburses out-of-network care can pay you back. If a root canal goes to an endodontist, that office gives its own estimate.
How fees work
Questions about toothache and swollen gums
Do I need an X-ray?
Only if it will change what we do. The dentist tells you why before she takes it.
Will you give me an antibiotic?
The dentist decides after the exam. An antibiotic isn't always the answer, and sometimes the tooth itself needs treatment.
Can you do my root canal?
We calm the pain. The root canal goes to an endodontist, and we tell you who to call.
What if I can't pay today?
Ask for the estimate first, and tell us. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
Provided by general dentists
Call (775) 555-0101
Dr. Odessa Lenoir and Dr. Mika Fujita are general dentists, licensed in Nevada. If it isn't clear that it's an emergency, call and ask.