Pain Management for Toothache
A toothache occurs when the core of the tooth gets swollen or the nerve gets damaged. This is most likely caused by deep decay or deep destructive cracks in the tooth.
Once our team has identified the root cause(s) of the problem, we will take all possible steps to relieve you from agonizing pain so that you can get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. If the damage is not too extensive, it may be possible to treat the nerve and restore your tooth back to normal function.
If you need a dentist for toothache, give us a call and let us take care of the problem for you.
What are the causes of toothache?
A toothache can be a painful and disruptive experience, often signaling an underlying dental issue. One of the most common causes is tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, decay can progress into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing intense pain.
Another frequent cause is gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which results from plaque buildup along the gumline. This can lead to swollen, bleeding gums and tooth pain, especially if the infection spreads to the tooth’s supporting structures.
Tooth sensitivity is another cause of discomfort, often triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks. This can occur due to worn enamel, tooth grinding or clenching, or gum recession. Dental abscesses, which are infections at the tooth’s root or in the gums, can cause severe pain and require immediate attention.
Cracked or damaged teeth can also result in sharp, throbbing pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure. Lastly, impacted wisdom teeth or misaligned teeth may lead to pain as they press against other teeth or gums.
If you experience toothache, it is essential to consult a dentist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to relieve the pain and prevent further complications.
When to seek a dentist after experiencing pain?
When experiencing tooth pain, it’s tempting to wait and hope the discomfort will subside, but ignoring a toothache can lead to serious complications. Tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional attention. The more you delay treatment, the worse the problem may become, potentially turning a manageable issue into a dental emergency. Tooth problems usually do not heal by themselves, and waiting can cause further damage.
For instance, a sudden severe toothache is often indicative of an infection or abscess, which may have already started eroding the bone supporting your tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread, potentially affecting your overall health and contributing to conditions like heart disease, stroke, or respiratory issues. A persistent toothache often points to tooth decay that has reached the tooth’s nerves or spread into the gums. Delaying treatment increases the risk of an abscess or permanent damage to the tooth. If biting down causes pain, you may have a cracked tooth, loose filling, or ongoing decay. While temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods may not be serious, it’s still worth consulting a dentist.
Even if you’re not experiencing significant pain, there are situations where seeking dental care is essential. Swelling in the gums or face, along with a fever, could indicate an abscess or infection that requires prompt attention. If your tooth becomes loose or broken due to injury, it’s important to get it examined to prevent further damage. Additionally, after a trauma to the mouth or jaw, visiting a dentist is crucial to rule out fractures or other potential damage.
If you tend to experience persistent jaw pain, it is also crucial to consult a dentist to diagnose the cause and receive appropriate treatment as the pain can stem from several dental-related issues
Regardless of the severity of the pain, it’s crucial to seek dental care to prevent further damage. Addressing these issues early can help preserve your tooth and prevent more severe problems in the future, ensuring both your oral health and overall well-being are protected.
Treatments when seeking a dentist for toothache
After you’ve seen one of our dentists for a consultation regarding the toothache, we will recommend treatment options that work best for you. Here are some common examples:
- Pain Management: To alleviate immediate discomfort, the dentist may prescribe medications
- Dental Fillings: If the pain is caused by cavities or tooth decay, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a material like amalgam or composite resin to restore the tooth.
- Root Canal Treatment: For severe tooth pain caused by infection or damage to the tooth’s pulp (nerve), a root canal may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
- Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is too damaged to be repaired or if it’s causing an infection that can’t be treated by other means, our dentist may recommend extracting the tooth to relieve pain and prevent complications.
- Dental Crowns: If a tooth is severely weakened by decay or damage, a crown may be placed over it to restore its function and appearance.
- Dental Sealants or Fluoride Treatments: For early-stage cavities or tooth sensitivity, a dentist might apply fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect the teeth and reduce pain.
- Gum treatment: If the pain is caused by gum-related issues, such as infection, inflammation, or gum disease, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth. This helps reduce inflammation and prevents the progression of gum disease.
Toothache FAQs
What will a dentist do for a toothache at Elements Dental?
To begin, our dentists will have a conversation with you to better understand the nature of your pain. Providing as much detail as possible will greatly help us assess the situation more accurately. Next, we will perform an examination and may conduct some tests to identify the cause of the discomfort, including x-rays if needed for a comprehensive diagnosis. Once the cause is determined, we will present you with treatment options, taking into account your budget, preferences, and any time constraints. While we typically do not perform treatments during the initial check-up, our priority will be to alleviate your discomfort as much as possible.
What can I do if tooth pain is unbearable?
Please reach out to us as soon as possible, so we can check on our dentists’ availability. We will try our best to slot you in at the earliest possible timing. If the pain is unbearable and no dental clinics are open, you may go to your nearest hospital’s emergency department for help.
What can I do while I’m waiting for an appointment?
Dealing with a toothache while awaiting your dental appointment can be difficult, as the pain and discomfort may interfere with your daily activities and make it hard to concentrate. Here are some home remedies you can try to ease the pain and provide relief in the meantime.
- Saltwater rinses: dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and gargle for about 2 minutes before spitting it out. Repeat this two to three times a day, or as needed. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
- Pain medication: over the counter medications, like ibuprofen or Paracetamol, can help manage pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
- Avoid certain foods, such as those that are very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, as these can worsen the pain. Try to avoid foods that are very hard too.