When you have a toothache, you can’t think of anything else. At Dental Arts of the Oaks, your dentist, Dr. Alex Bierman, uncovers the reasons for your pain and treats them accurately. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, he wants all his patients in the Thousand Oaks, CA, area 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 Dr. Bierman?
At Dental Arts of the Oaks in Thousand Oaks, 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 at our Thousand Oaks office.
- 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 Thousand Oaks dentist and his team are available at Dental Arts of the Oaks if you suspect that you have a dental emergency. Contact Dr. Alex Bierman at (805) 495-1061.