Toothaches
Toothaches – there are all types. Some are small issues that can be relieved by rinsing the mouth or flossing the teeth. Many, though, are indications that something bigger is going on within your tooth. When the pain doesn’t stop, you have a problem that requires expert dental care to correct it. Do not hesitate to reach out to Bethesda Family Dentistry, with offices located in Bethesda and North Bethesda.
Causes of Toothaches
Toothaches can cause constant throbbing pain, dizziness, fever, and serious stress. In many cases, the discomfort is so debilitating a person is unable to function in daily life. There are many possible causes of toothaches, including:
- Tooth infection: When bacteria works its way inside a tooth, the pulp becomes infected, usually because of a crack or tooth decay. An abscess can form alongside the toothache, a painful problem on its own that, left untreated, can create serious health problems when it ruptures.
- Tooth decay: All cavities start small but if one is left undiagnosed or untreated, it will continue to grow until it touches the inner layers of the tooth, causing serious pain.
- Gum disease: Untended gum disease causes swollen, tender, bleeding gums but also pain that can feel like a toothache.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: When a third molar partially erupts or is impacted, its presence, whether visible or under the gumline, can cause a severe toothache and also damage nearby teeth.
Toothache Pain Relief Methods
Everyone has their own unique toothache pain, but one thing that’s for certain is the problem will not go away with dental intervention. You must reach out to your Bethesda dentist right away for emergency dental care so you can get help immediately.
You might wish for a toothache to fade away on its own, but it won’t. It’s a sign that there is a serious problem going on in your mouth and only your dentist has the tools to diagnose the problem, relieve your pain, and correct the issue so it doesn’t occur again.
Some of the most common toothache pain relief methods include the following:
- Tooth-colored filling: When a toothache is caused by a cavity, the decay is removed and replaced with enamel-colored composite material for a natural-looking repair.
- Root canal therapy: No one wants to hear the term “root canal” but this treatment is effective and stops toothache pain right away. The infected tooth roots are meticulously cleaned out and filled in so they cannot be reinfected. The tooth is capped with a customized crown for further protection.
- Porcelain crown: If the toothache is caused by a large area of tooth decay that cannot be treated by a tooth-colored filling, a porcelain crown will but used to cover the problem tooth.
- Tooth extraction: Tooth extraction is always a last resort for your dentist. The goal is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, unless the problem is being caused by a wisdom tooth. If extraction is carried out, the missing tooth can later be replaced by a dental implant or dental bridge.
Help for Toothaches from Your Bethesda Dentist
Toothaches are a sign that something big is going on in your mouth, and they require a dental examination and x-rays for a diagnosis and recommendation of treatment. Your Bethesda dentist will investigate all possible causes of the pain you’re experiencing to determine the cause and treat it immediately.
The most important thing is to relieve your pain as quickly as possible – it’s essential that you reach out to your dentist at Bethesda Family Dentistry right away for an emergency dental visit. Waiting to fix a dental problem will only lead to more pain, more invasive treatments, and greater costs. We are here to help you when you need it most and treat patients who live, work, or play in Bethesda and the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Contact our office immediately in case of toothaches or other emergency oral pain.
