Glendale, Arizona
A toothache is your body telling you something is wrong. SmileScience Dental Spa finds the cause and relieves your pain -- the same day. No guessing, no "come back next week," no dismissal. Call now and we will fit you in.
If your toothache comes with facial swelling that is spreading, fever above 101 F, or difficulty swallowing or breathing -- stop reading and go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. These are signs of a spreading dental infection that can become life-threatening.
A toothache is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Tap your situation below to understand what is happening and what to do.
What it feels like: Severe, constant, throbbing pain -- often the worst pain imaginable. May radiate to the jaw or ear. Frequently accompanied by swelling, fever, a bad taste, or a pimple on the gum.
Why it hurts: An infected pocket of pus under the root tip creates pressure that has nowhere to go.
What it feels like: Sharp, electric pain when biting that immediately disappears when you release pressure. Sensitivity to cold. Often difficult to pinpoint which tooth is the problem.
Why it hurts: The two halves of the crack flex under bite pressure, stimulating the nerve. Cracks are often invisible on X-rays -- clinical examination is required.
What it feels like: Sensitivity to cold or sweets that lingers, or a dull ache that worsens when eating. Deep decay that has reached the nerve causes severe, spontaneous pain that does not need a trigger.
Why it hurts: Bacteria dissolve enamel and dentin, exposing the nerve-rich pulp to temperature and bacterial toxins. Once the pulp is involved, a root canal is needed.
What it feels like: Deep aching in the back of the jaw, pressure, and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth. Can cause referred pain to nearby teeth.
Why it hurts: A tooth that cannot erupt presses against adjacent teeth and bone. The surrounding tissue can become infected (pericoronitis), which can escalate quickly and require urgent care.
What it feels like: Dull aching around multiple teeth, gum tenderness, bleeding when brushing, and sensitivity where the gum has receded.
Why it hurts: Bacterial infection destroys the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Receded gums expose root surfaces that lack enamel protection.
What it feels like: Diffuse, generalized soreness in the teeth, jaw, and temples -- often worst in the morning. Multiple teeth may be sensitive simultaneously.
Why it hurts: Grinding during sleep subjects teeth to far more force than normal chewing. Enamel wears thin over time, exposing sensitive dentin. Jaw muscles become chronically fatigued.
What it feels like: Brief, sharp pain triggered by cold air, cold liquid, or sweet foods. The pain stops almost immediately when the trigger is removed.
Why it hurts: Exposed root surfaces lack the enamel protection of the crown and contain thousands of open tubules that conduct temperature sensation directly to the nerve.
What it feels like: Pressure or aching across the upper back teeth on both sides simultaneously, often worse when bending forward. Accompanied by nasal congestion.
Why it hurts: The roots of upper molars sit directly below the maxillary sinuses. Sinus pressure radiates into these teeth and can feel exactly like a toothache. This is not a dental problem -- see your physician for sinus treatment.
Some toothaches can wait a few days for a scheduled appointment. Others cannot. Here is the distinction:
These are signs a dental infection is spreading systemically. Call 911 or go to an emergency room -- do not drive yourself.
For everything that falls between routine sensitivity and a life-threatening emergency -- call us at (480) 530-3663. We will triage over the phone and tell you exactly what to do.
These measures can reduce discomfort while you wait for your appointment. They manage symptoms -- they do not treat the underlying problem. Use them to get through the night, not as a reason to delay care.
400 -- 600 mg every 6 -- 8 hours with food (if not contraindicated by health conditions). Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly effective for dental pain, which is largely inflammation-driven.
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz of warm water. Rinse gently for 30 seconds. Reduces bacteria, clears debris around the tooth, and temporarily reduces minor swelling.
Apply to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Reduces external swelling and has a mild numbing effect. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Dilute with carrier oil (1 drop clove oil to 1/2 teaspoon olive oil), then dab on the tooth with a cotton ball. The active ingredient eugenol is the same compound dentists use in many dental cements -- it temporarily numbs the area.
Benzocaine gel applied to the gum around the painful tooth provides temporary surface numbing. Useful for managing pain at the gum level. Effect lasts 20 -- 30 minutes.
A very common mistake. Aspirin is an acid. Placing it directly on soft tissue causes a chemical burn -- making the situation much worse. Take aspirin orally, never topically.
Heat increases blood flow and can accelerate the spread of a dental infection. Always use cold for dental swelling -- never heat. Heat can turn a manageable swelling into a rapidly progressing one.
Leftover antibiotics from a previous prescription will not resolve a dental infection. The infection is inside the tooth or bone -- antibiotics reduce systemic spread but do not eliminate the source. Drainage or root canal is required.
Sometimes tooth pain stops on its own -- but this is not the problem resolving. When a pulp dies from infection, pain may stop temporarily while infection spreads silently to the surrounding bone. Painless doesn't mean healed.
When you arrive for a toothache appointment at SmileScience Dental Spa, we start with one priority: figuring out what is causing your pain and fixing it that visit.
We examine the painful area first. Digital X-rays and, when indicated, CBCT 3D imaging are taken immediately. We are not going to start with a full cleaning or unrelated work -- your pain is the entire agenda.
We use percussion testing, thermal testing, bite tests, and probing to isolate the specific tooth and determine what is happening inside it. You will have a clear answer before anything else happens.
We explain what we found, what treatment options are available, and what each one costs. No pressure, no upselling. You make the decision. If you are in severe pain and want it addressed immediately, we will get started right after consent.
Profound local anesthesia is administered before anything begins. For infected teeth, we know exactly how to achieve complete numbness even when infection makes standard anesthesia tricky. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation are all available if you need them.
Depending on what we find, treatment may include a filling, a crown (same-day CEREC available), root canal therapy, extraction, or periodontal treatment. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke together cover the full range of restorative, surgical, and emergency dental procedures in-house. You rarely need a separate referral.
Many patients put off calling a dentist about tooth pain because the idea of the appointment itself is frightening. We understand that -- and we built a sedation program specifically so that fear doesn't keep you in pain longer than necessary.
Inhaled through a small mask. Takes effect in minutes, wears off within minutes of removal. You stay fully conscious and can drive yourself home. Ideal for mild to moderate anxiety.
A prescription sedative taken before your appointment puts you in a deeply relaxed, drowsy state. You remain conscious and responsive but typically have little or no memory of the procedure. Dr. Dawson is OCS-certified in Arizona.
Administered by our board-certified dental anesthesiologist on-site. You are fully asleep and unaware of the procedure. Ideal for severe anxiety or patients needing extensive work completed in a single visit.
Tell us when you call that anxiety is a factor. We will build your appointment around your comfort level.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
This content is educational. Dental emergencies require professional evaluation. Call (480) 530-3663 for same-day appointments at Smile Science Dental Spa, Glendale, AZ.
Interactive fracture identifier
Not all tooth cracks are the same — a craze line needs only monitoring; a cracked tooth needs prompt care; a split tooth may need extraction. Walk through the same bite tests and symptom questions a dentist uses to identify fracture type and urgency.
Not a diagnosis. Fracture type and urgency are confirmed by clinical exam, transillumination, and bite tests. If you have severe pain, facial swelling, or a visible piece of tooth has broken off, call (480) 530-3663 or seek emergency care now.
Reference
Tooth cracks follow five distinct patterns from surface-only craze lines to root fractures. The signature symptoms on the left are what your dentist tests for; the description and treatment are on the right. Only an in-person exam with bite tests and transillumination can confirm a fracture type.
Signature symptoms
Hairline cracks limited to the outer enamel layer. No structural threat to the tooth and no treatment required — but a dentist should confirm there is no deeper involvement.
Signature symptoms
A cusp — one of the pointed corners of a back tooth — has broken away, usually around an existing filling. The nerve is rarely involved. A crown restores the tooth.
Treated with Crown or onlay →
Signature symptoms
An incomplete crack running from the crown downward — it has not yet split the tooth into two pieces. The hallmark is pain on releasing the bite as the crack flexes open. Without treatment, it progresses to a split tooth or root fracture.
Treated with Crown; root canal if the nerve is involved →
Signature symptoms
A cracked tooth that has propagated all the way through, splitting the tooth into distinct segments. The tooth is usually not restorable as a whole. Extraction is nearly always required, and replacement planning begins immediately.
Treated with Extraction and tooth replacement planning →
Signature symptoms
A crack that begins in the root and extends upward toward the crown, often after root canal treatment. It is frequently silent until an abscess forms around the root. Extraction is almost always required.
Treated with Extraction in most cases →
Sometimes the pain subsides -- but that is not the same as the problem resolving. When the nerve in a tooth dies from infection, pain can stop temporarily while the infection continues to spread into the surrounding bone. Absent pain does not mean the tooth is healed. Always have persistent toothaches evaluated, even if they seem to get better on their own.
We hold same-day emergency slots. Call us in the morning and we will make every effort to see you the same day. If you are in severe pain, let the person who answers know and we prioritize accordingly. New patients do not need an existing relationship with our practice to be seen for an emergency.
No. Modern root canals with adequate anesthesia are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients are genuinely surprised. The pain you feel before the root canal -- from the infection and inflammation -- is far worse than the procedure itself. The root canal removes the infected tissue and relieves the pressure that was causing your pain.
We diagnose this at the appointment. If examination and X-rays reveal healthy teeth and no dental cause, we will tell you -- and explain that it is likely sinus-related. We do not treat what isn't broken. If the problem genuinely appears to be sinus-related, we will recommend you follow up with your physician.
Do not take leftover antibiotics before being seen. Antibiotics can mask symptoms and make diagnosis more difficult. If you are prescribed antibiotics, it should be by the treating dentist who has examined you. Antibiotics alone cannot cure a dental abscess -- the source of infection (infected pulp, abscess pocket) must be addressed physically.
Yes. We see patients of all ages. Pediatric dental emergencies -- whether a toothache from decay, a knocked-out baby tooth, or trauma -- are treated here. Please call ahead so we can prepare appropriately for the age of the patient.
An emergency exam and X-rays typically run $75 -- $175 depending on how many images are needed. Treatment fees vary by what is found: a simple filling starts around $175, root canals range from $900 -- $1,500, and extractions start at $175. We give you a clear cost estimate before starting any treatment. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit is available with same-day approval.
No insurance, no problem. We treat a large number of uninsured patients. Our membership plan offers discounted fees for a flat annual rate. Financing is available with no hard credit check for most plans. A toothache is not something that should wait because of insurance status -- call us and we will work out a solution.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Same-day toothache appointments at SmileScience Dental Spa, 20118 N 67th Ave, Ste 308, Glendale, AZ 85308. New patients always welcome.
