Urgent Care for Toothache: What We Can (and Can't) Do

A toothache can be one of the most intense pains you’ll ever feel. And when it hits on a weekend, at night, or when you can’t get to a dentist, you may wonder: can urgent care help with a toothache? The answer is yes — with some important limits. At CityHealth in San Leandro, we can evaluate dental pain, prescribe antibiotics for infections, and provide pain relief so you can get through the next few days until you see a dentist. This guide explains what urgent care can and can’t do for tooth pain, when you need the ER, and what to expect at your visit.

What Causes a Toothache?

Tooth pain can have several causes. Understanding what’s behind your pain helps determine the right level of care. Common causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavity): When bacteria eat through the enamel and reach the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, pain signals are triggered — especially when eating, drinking cold or hot liquids, or biting down.
• Dental abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue. It typically causes throbbing, severe pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. This is the most medically serious cause of tooth pain and may require antibiotics.
• Cracked tooth: A cracked or fractured tooth can cause sharp pain when biting and sensitivity to temperature.
• Gum disease (periodontitis): Advanced gum disease can cause pain, bleeding, swelling, and loose teeth.
• Exposed tooth root: Gum recession exposes the sensitive root surface, causing pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods.
• Wisdom tooth pain: Wisdom teeth that are impacted (stuck under the gum) or partially erupted can cause intense pain at the back of the jaw, along with swelling and difficulty opening the mouth.
• Broken or lost filling: When a filling falls out or breaks, the exposed tooth can be extremely sensitive and painful.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic grinding can cause widespread jaw and tooth soreness.

Can Urgent Care Treat a Toothache?

Yes — but with important limitations. Urgent care is not a replacement for a dentist. We cannot perform extractions, fillings, root canals, or any dental procedures. What we can do:

• Prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of a dental abscess or bacterial infection (swelling, fever, pus)
• Prescribe pain medication for moderate-to-severe tooth pain to get you through until you can see a dentist
• Evaluate for serious infection — dental infections can spread to the jaw, neck, or even the bloodstream if untreated
• Provide referrals to dental providers in the area
• Rule out referred pain — sometimes what feels like tooth pain is actually coming from the jaw (TMJ), sinuses, or ear

The goal of urgent care for a toothache is to manage pain and infection — not to fix the underlying dental problem. You will still need to see a dentist for the definitive treatment.

Signs of a Dental Abscess — Go to Urgent Care Today

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that can become dangerous if left untreated. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. Signs of a dental abscess include:

• Severe, throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t let up
• Swelling in the cheek, jaw, or face
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
• Fever
• A foul taste or bad breath from drainage of pus
• Difficulty opening your mouth (trismus)

If you have any of these symptoms, come in today. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for an abscess, and starting them promptly can prevent the infection from getting worse while you arrange dental care.

When to Go to the ER for a Toothache

Most toothaches can be managed at urgent care. However, go to the emergency room immediately if you have:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing — this could indicate a deep neck infection called Ludwig’s angina, which is life-threatening
• Severe swelling that has spread to your neck or is closing your airway
• High fever (103°F or above) with dental pain
• Confusion, extreme weakness, or feeling very unwell — signs that infection may have entered the bloodstream
• Swelling of the eye or under the eye from a dental infection spreading upward

These are rare but serious complications. The vast majority of toothache cases — even severe ones — are appropriate for urgent care, not the ER.

Urgent Care vs. Dentist vs. ER: Which Do You Need?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

What Antibiotics Are Used for Dental Infections?

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for dental abscess in the urgent care setting are:

• Amoxicillin: First-line treatment for most dental infections. Effective against the bacteria that cause tooth abscesses.
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin): Used when a broader antibiotic spectrum is needed.
• Clindamycin: Used if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics.
• Metronidazole: Sometimes added to cover anaerobic bacteria in severe infections.

Our providers will choose the right antibiotic based on your specific situation, allergies, and the severity of your symptoms. Antibiotics treat the infection but will not fix the underlying dental problem — you will still need to follow up with a dentist for definitive treatment (drainage, extraction, or root canal).

Pain Relief for Toothache at Urgent Care

While you’re waiting for your dentist appointment, pain management is key. At CityHealth, we may recommend or prescribe:

• Prescription-strength ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain
• Short-term prescription pain medication for severe pain

Over-the-counter options that can also help in the meantime:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Best for dental pain because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Take with food.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for pain but does not reduce swelling. Can be alternated with ibuprofen for stronger relief.
• Benzocaine gel (Orajel): Numbs the gum tissue temporarily. Provides short-term relief only.
• Clove oil: Contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Dab a small amount on the affected gum with a cotton ball.

Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can burn the gum tissue and does not help the pain faster.

Home Care for Toothache While Waiting for a Dentist

After you’ve seen us at CityHealth and have started antibiotics (if prescribed), here’s how to manage at home while you wait for your dental appointment:

• Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times a day to reduce bacteria and swelling
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks that trigger pain
• Chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the painful tooth
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce blood pressure to the tooth, which can reduce throbbing
• Take pain medication regularly (not just when pain peaks) so it stays at a therapeutic level
• Complete your full antibiotic course even if you feel better before it’s done

Finding Emergency Dental Care in the East Bay

Urgent care can bridge the gap, but you will need to see a dentist for the real fix. Options for getting dental care quickly in the San Leandro and Oakland area include:

• Call your regular dentist and ask for an emergency appointment — most practices keep slots open for dental emergencies
• Search for same-day dental offices in your area
• Check with community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Alameda County, which offer dental care on a sliding-scale fee
• If you have Medi-Cal, dental coverage may be available through Denti-Cal

Get Toothache Relief at CityHealth San Leandro Today

If you’re dealing with tooth pain and can’t get to a dentist right now, don’t just suffer through it. Come to CityHealth in San Leandro. We can evaluate your pain, check for signs of infection, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and help manage your pain so you can function until your dental appointment. Walk-in anytime — no appointment needed.