A toothache is a sign that you have a dental issue that needs treatment. It occurs when the nerve or soft tissues in a tooth are irritated, and it can vary in severity. Common causes of toothaches and inflammation around a tooth include injuries, tooth loss, tooth decay and dental infections.
Pain from other facial structures can radiate through teeth, leading to pain that seems just like a toothache. Common non-dental issues that can lead to pain that feels like a toothache include ear pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, heart problems and sinus issues.
Toothaches develop when the contents of the pulp chamber become inflamed due to irritation. The pulp chamber contains a tooth’s nerve.
Toothaches are often caused by bacteria in the mouth creating acids that damage teeth structures. It starts as a few cavities forming on teeth. These holes expand until they reach the inner layers of a tooth. Toothaches are likely to occur at this point, and the patient becomes more susceptible to dental infections.
Good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to keeping toothaches at bay. A good oral health routine includes brushing two times a day, flossing at least once and using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria.
Dentists also perform preventative treatments that can help keep toothaches away, like fluoride treatments, the application of dental sealants and teeth cleanings. Biannual routine dental visits allow dentists to perform such treatments as needed.
Dentists have several tools at their disposal when it comes to treating toothaches. It comes down to pinpointing what is wrong with the affected tooth and performing treatments that address the issue. Diagnostic tools like X-rays and probes are often used when trying to figure out the cause of a patient’s toothaches. Popular treatments used to treat toothaches include the following.
Dental fillings: Cavities are one of the most common causes of toothaches, and fillings are the go-to treatment for cavities. The material is used to seal any holes created by tooth decay after removing the decayed teeth material from the area. Sealing off the cavity prevents irritants in the mouth from getting into the tooth’s inner layers.
Root canals: These are performed when tooth decay leaves a tooth’s pulp chamber compromised. Root canals involve drilling a hole into the affected tooth and removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. The area is disinfected before sealing it up with gutta-percha.
Extractions: At times, extracting a tooth is the most effective way to deal with a damaged tooth. This is typically the case when there is an infection that threatens to spread to other parts of the body. The extracted tooth can be replaced with a restoration, like an implant.
Give us a call or visit our Honolulu clinic if you are dealing with a toothache. Our dentist will educate you about your best options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
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