Toothache
Toothache Q & A
What causes toothache?
- Abscessed tooth
- Infected gums
- Removal or eruption of a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth)
- Tooth fracture
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive motions, such as clenching or grinding teeth
- Tooth decay
Your tooth pain might be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some cases, the pain might only occur when you apply pressure to the tooth.
Along with your toothache, you might also have:
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever or headache
- A bad odor from the mouth
During your visit to PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, your dentist reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. Your dentist usually evaluates your jaws, gums, tongue, teeth, throat, sinuses, nose, ears, and neck. Your dentist might also suggest convenient in-office digital X-rays to help determine what’s causing your toothache and the best ways to treat it.
What are the treatments for a toothache?
If your toothache is the result of an infected tooth nerve, your dentist might suggest a root canal procedure where your dentist carefully removes the infected pulp and replaces it with a sealing material.
Your dentist might recommend antibiotics if you have swelling in your jaw or if you have a fever. Your dentist may also suggest a professional deep cleaning if you have an infection and trapped food pieces under your gums.
How can I prevent a toothache?
- Brush regularly with a dentist-approved toothpaste
- Floss once daily
- Visit your dentist for your professional teeth cleaning at least twice annually
- Avoid consuming too much sugar in your diet
Professional teeth cleaning is a great way to lower your risk of periodontal disease and many other dental complications and concerns.
Don’t just wait and hope your toothache will go away. Prioritize your dental health and protect your teeth by visiting PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment today.