Pain Relief

Do you have a tooth that causes extreme discomfort or pain? Several factors that contribute to tooth pain include a cracked tooth, tooth decay, thinning enamel, or receding gums. If the decay moves closer to the tooth nerve, the tooth becomes more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

The causes of tooth pain can be many, and the pain can range from a nagging ache to sharp, excruciating pain. The treatment for tooth pain involves changing one’s oral health routine and more intensive dental care treatments.

Here are some of the common causes of tooth pain.

  • Cavities
  • A tooth cavity occurs when the enamel, the hard outer layer of your tooth, is eaten away. Symptoms of a cavity include:
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold beverages
  • Swelling of face or gums

Tooth decay arising out of a cavity or abscess can also lead to tooth pain. After determining the location and size of the cavity, the dentist removes the decayed material and fills the cavity. This will help to subside the pain. If there’s an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers. A root canal or tooth extraction may be needed if the cavity has affected the root of the tooth.

 

Pain Relief Laurence Palmer DDS dentist in Ogden UT Dr. Laurence Palmer

Throbbing Tooth Pain from Root Sensitivity

If your tooth sustains external trauma or is chipped or cracked, the root of the tooth can be exposed, leading to tooth pain. The exposed root makes the teeth sensitive to touch, cold air, acidic and sticky foods, and hot or cold beverages and foods.

Your dentist at Laurence Palmer’s dental office may suggest you a special desensitizing toothpaste before taking any other drastic steps. This toothpaste helps reduce nerve sensitivity and take two to three weeks to begin working.

Gum Disease

Gum disease or infected gums can also elicit pain as gum tissues become red and irritated. Gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to throbbing tooth pain, bleeding of gums, discharge of pus, loose teeth, swollen gums, and sensitivity. If left untreated, severe gum infection and tooth loss could occur.

Your dentist at Laurence Palmer’s dental office can suggest you the following treatments for relieving you from the pain.

  • Deep cleaning
  • Gum surgery
  • Antibiotics
  • Bone surgery

Abscessed Tooth 

If you have an abscessed tooth with the center pulp of your tooth or the area between your tooth and gum damaged or infected as a result of decay or trauma, bacteria can enter the tooth, causing the inflammation. Symptoms include:

  • Severe throbbing tooth pain
  • Fever
  • Ear ache
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling or redness in gums
  • Swollen neck glands or jaw

An abscessed tooth should be treated immediately as the infection can enter the surrounding tissue, bone, or bloodstream.

Though these are the most obvious causes of tooth pain, pain is not always isolated in a tooth. For example, grinding of the teeth at night or bruxism can lead to a toothache, along with pain in the jaw or face. This condition is referred to as TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. A sinus infection can also cause pain in the teeth, along with certain viral infections, nerve disease, uneven bite, vitamin deficiencies, impacted wisdom teeth, mouth cancer, and more. With multiple considerations and overlapping symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist if you’re experiencing tooth pain.

Thorough dental examination, medical history, X-rays, and other tests by our dentist determine which of these scenarios to address. Your dentist uses bonding, fillings, crowns, or veneers to fix some of these issues.

If you are suffering from a tooth pain, contact us and schedule an appointment immediately.