
Dr. Hunter McAreavy
General dentist

Tooth pain is your mouth asking for help. We’ll find the cause, get you out of pain and fix the problem, often the same day.
Read our patient reviews on GoogleWhat causes a toothache?
Most toothaches come from a cavity, a cracked tooth, an infection or a problem with your gums. Pain that keeps coming back, wakes you up or gets worse usually means the problem is growing, and it rarely goes away on its own. At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Westport, we offer same-day care to find the cause and treat it, from a simple filling to a root canal.

Common causes
Decay that reaches deeper into the tooth can cause sharp or lasting pain.
Pain when you bite or chew can mean a crack you can’t see.
Throbbing pain or swelling can be a sign the tooth’s nerve is infected.
Sore, swollen or bleeding gums can cause pain around a tooth.
Pressure at night can leave teeth and jaw sore in the morning.
How we treat it
Once we know what’s causing the pain, the treatment is usually clear. We’ll explain it before we start.
| Cause | What you might notice | How we treat it |
|---|---|---|
| A cavity | Sensitivity or sharp pain | A tooth-colored filling |
| A cracked tooth | Pain when you bite | A crown to protect the tooth |
| An infection | Throbbing pain or swelling | A root canal, or an extraction if the tooth can’t be saved |
| Clenching or grinding | Sore teeth or jaw in the morning | A custom night guard |
Your visit
Tell us where it hurts and we’ll find the soonest time to see you.
We find the cause of the pain and check the teeth around it.
We take care of the pain and protect the tooth.
If you need more treatment, we explain your options before we start.
Cost & insurance
Have insurance?
Call us with your plan details and we’ll check your coverage before your visit.
Contact us →No insurance?
A membership with preventive care included and savings on other treatments.
Explore Smile Club →Bigger treatment?
Ask about options for spreading the cost of your care into monthly payments.
See payment plans →Your care team
Dr. Hunter McAreavy leads general dentistry at our Westport office and has a passion for helping patients who feel nervous about the dentist. Whoever you see that day, our hygienists, assistants and care coordinators take the time to explain each step.
★★★★★
“I had a great experience here. Rachel was very personable and professional, and Dr. Hunter was the same.”

General dentist

Registered dental hygienist

Dental assistant

Patient care coordinator

Patient care coordinator
Sometimes the pain fades, but the cause usually doesn’t. Decay and infections keep growing, so it’s best to get it checked before it becomes a bigger problem.
We offer same-day care for urgent problems. Call (816) 388-0985 as early as you can so we can fit you in.
Not always. Many toothaches are fixed with a filling or a crown. If the nerve is infected, a root canal can save the tooth. We’ll know after an exam and X-rays.
Severe or lasting pain, swelling, or pain after an injury are all reasons to call us right away.
Tell us when you book. We’ll explain every step before we start, and sedation is available on select days each month with Dr. Shaley Baker.
Your next chapter starts here
Find a time that works for you and get to know our Westport team.