Toothache and dental emergencies
If you're in pain, don't wait for it to go away on its own: it almost never does. We find you the earliest slot, Monday to Saturday, in the center of Santa Rita de Copán — near the Copán ruins.
What we do when it hurts.
A toothache almost always signals deep decay, an inflamed nerve or a gum infection. At the first visit we relieve the pain, examine the tooth and tell you exactly what it has and what the options are: a filling, a root canal or, if it can no longer be saved, an extraction.
Until you arrive: rinse with warm salt water, avoid very cold, hot or hard foods on that side, and don't put anything on the gum. If you have an abscess (a small bump of pus), don't pop it.
Come in the same day if you have
- A throbbing toothache that keeps you awake
- An abscess or pus bump on the gum
- A broken tooth or a lost filling
- Swelling in the face or gum
- A knocked tooth
How much does it cost?
The price depends on each case. At your evaluation you get a complete, no-obligation quote before anything starts.
For implants, braces and root canals we arrange installment plans at the clinic, based on your case.
Ask on WhatsAppAnything else? Message us on WhatsApp.
What we get asked most.
What should I do if I have a toothache?
Book a same-day or next-day visit: a toothache almost always means deep decay, infection or an inflamed nerve, and it will not go away on its own. Meanwhile, rinse with warm salt water, avoid very hot, cold or hard foods on that side, and do not apply anything directly to the gum. At Santos Dental (Santa Rita de Copán) emergencies are seen by a general dentist — book online or message us on WhatsApp at +504 3315-4258.
Do you treat dental emergencies in Santa Rita de Copán?
Yes. We treat toothaches, gum abscesses, broken teeth and lost fillings or crowns — Monday–Friday · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM — in Bo. El Centro, Santa Rita de Copán. Choose the "Urgency / pain" reason when booking online, or call or WhatsApp us at +504 3315-4258 and we will find you a same-day spot.
Why does a toothache feel worse at night?
When you lie down, blood pressure in your head increases and the inflammation around the tooth nerve is felt more — that is why the pain "throbs" harder at night. It is a sign the problem is advancing, not improving. Sleep with your head slightly elevated and book for the next day; we are also open Saturday mornings.
I broke a tooth or lost a filling while traveling — can you fix it quickly?
Yes — keep the fragment or filling if you find it, avoid chewing on that side, and come in as soon as you can: a broken or unfilled tooth gets contaminated and hurts more each day. It is usually solved in a single visit with a restoration. We see travelers visiting the Copán area, offer care in English, and can usually fit you in same-day — book online or message us on WhatsApp at +504 3315-4258.
What is a gum abscess (a bump on the gum) and what should I do?
A bump on the gum next to a tooth root is usually an abscess: a small pocket of infection that may drain. Do not pop it and do not ignore it — the infection can spread. It needs prompt dental care: it is typically drained and the cause (deep decay or a root canal problem) is treated. Book as an urgency and we will see you right away.
Does having a tooth pulled hurt?
No — extractions are done with local anesthesia, so you feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Before extracting we always check whether the tooth can be saved with a filling or a root canal. Afterwards you get clear instructions for a smooth recovery. Book an evaluation and we will tell you exactly what your tooth needs.
Is there an English-speaking dentist near the Copán ruins?
Yes. Santos Dental, in Santa Rita de Copán, treats tourists visiting the Copán Maya Ruins with care in English and Spanish, quick quotes and same-day emergency dental treatment when the calendar allows. Message us on WhatsApp at +504 3315-4258 and we will help.
Whenever you're ready, the calendar is open.
Pick a dentist and a time; the reason is already set. We confirm by WhatsApp.