No one wants to deal with the pain of a toothache, but it happens. If you ever find yourself suffering from this unpleasant experience, rest assured that the team at Purely Smiles Dental will be ready to help. We're committed to providing prompt, skilled, and compassionate care to resolve dental emergencies and prevent further consequences to your oral health and overall well-being.
One of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care is to deal with toothaches. Toothaches can develop for many reasons and require a precise diagnosis of the underlying cause for proper treatment.
Some of the most common causes of toothaches include:
- Tooth Decay: One of the primary culprits behind toothaches is tooth decay. Harmful bacteria in the mouth metabolize dietary sugar and produce acid that erodes dental enamel. This destructive process creates a cavity. Without proper care, a cavity deepens, destroying more tooth structure, eventually affecting the nerve and causing a toothache.
- Gum Disease: Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause toothaches. As the gums recede, tooth roots become exposed, potentially creating sensitivity and pain. Periodontal disease can also lead to gum pocketing and an infection.
- Dental Abscess: A dental abscess, often resulting from untreated cavities or gum disease, can cause severe toothaches. This pus-filled sac can lead to throbbing pain and requires immediate attention.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A cracked or fractured tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers, causing intense pain. This situation can arise from dental trauma, grinding, biting into a hard substance, or the stress and strain affecting fragile tooth structure surrounding a large filling.
- Problematic Wisdom Teeth: The emergence of wisdom teeth can lead to pain, discomfort, and potential infections. Impacted wisdom teeth and ones that don't have enough space to erupt properly are often problematic.
Understanding the Symptoms of a Toothache
Not all toothaches are alike and can manifest themselves in many ways. You may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or discomfort in a tooth with biting pressure or touch. Swelling and redness in the tissues around a tooth, persistent bad breath, and sinus or jaw pain may also indicate a dental problem.
The most important thing to remember is that ignoring a toothache can have serious consequences. In addition to worsened pain, an untreated toothache can lead to an infection that severely affects oral health and overall well-being.
Getting Urgent Dental Care for Your Toothache
If you're experiencing a toothache, don't delay. Contact our office for the skilled, reliable care needed to alleviate your discomfort, restore your smile, and get back on the road to health.
