Overview of acute dental pain

Acute dental pain is usually inflammatory in nature. A guide to differentiating and managing acute dental pain outlines common causes of acute dental pain. Also consider conditions that are less common, difficult to diagnose or not of dental origin (eg trigeminal neuralgia may be mistaken for pulpitis). Refer patients for medical assessment if their orofacial pain is not of dental origin.

Dental treatment is the most effective means of managing acute pain of the teeth or surrounding tissues. Drug therapy has a more limited role and should only be used if necessary.

Note: Dental treatment is the most effective means of reducing pain of the teeth and surrounding tissues.