When you have a toothache, you can’t think of anything else. We can uncover the reasons for your pain and treats them accurately. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, he wants all his patients to have healthy smiles, which is why the office is still open for emergency appointments.
Why does my tooth hurt?
Frankly, there are a variety of reasons…some more serious than others.
Toothache pain may stem from:
- Deep tooth decay
- Exposed dental roots due to periodontal disease
- Thin tooth enamel (exposing sensitive inner dentin)
- Oral trauma resulting in dental fracture or displacement of teeth toward the back or side of your mouth
- Dental abscess or infection, resulting in the inflammation of interior dental pulp
- Sinus infection
- Ear infection
- Jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ/TMD)
- Bruxism, habitual teeth grinding, and clenching due to stress
- Food or a foreign object, such as a toothpick, stuck between two teeth
- Root fracture (only visible on X-ray examination)
- Deteriorated fillings (with bacterial infiltration into the tooth structure)
- Impacted wisdom teeth (encased in gums or bone)
When should I call?
Your dentist encourages his patients to contact the office if there is a pressing dental concern. Acute tooth pain is not normal, and depending on the results of your oral examination, you may need:
- A dental filling
- Root canal therapy to extract infected pulp and crown the tooth
- Dental extraction (a last resort whenever possible)
- An acrylic mouthguard to cushion chewing surfaces if you are a bruxer
- A dental crown to restore a deep crack or uneven dental bite
Prevent problems before they start
A little effort now staves off big dental problems (and expense) down the road. Be sure you engage in these preventive practices:
- Brush your teeth with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes as the American Dental Association (ADA) outlines.
- Floss daily between your teeth (especially the back ones) to remove what your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Receive six-month exams and hygienic cleanings.
- Watch how much sugar and carbohydrate-based foods you consume.
- Increase your intake of whole grains, calcium, fruits, vegetables, and water.
- Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth if you play sports such as hockey or football.
- Look at your teeth and gums regularly to note any changes in shape, color, and texture.
- Report any sore or lump which does not resolve within a week to 10 days.
We’re always here to help
While everyone is social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured that your dentist and his team are available if you suspect that you have a dental emergency. Contact us at (123) 456-7890.