What Should I Do When My Tooth Aches?
Platte City, MO
Being in pain is no fun. Pain is one way that your body lets you know that something is not quite right. Often, pain can be dealt with using an over the counter pain reliever. In some cases, however, the pain can be severe and can require professional care. When you have a toothache, it can interfere with the normal functions of your mouth, and your overall quality of life. At Platte Valley Dental Care, we can provide you with the treatment you need to put an end to your tooth pain.
What Causes a Tooth to Ache?There are many different issues that can lead to an aching tooth. These issues include:| • |
Having food or other debris stuck in between your teeth.
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Cavities in your teeth.
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Gum disease.
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A tooth infection.
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Facial trauma.
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Alignment issues.
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Bruxism.
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A sinus infection. |
Care at HomeIn some cases, you might develop a toothache simply because you have a piece of food stuck between your teeth. When you notice tooth pain, carefully, but thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. If nothing comes out, or your pain persists, it could be an indication of a more significant issue. Take a look at the structures inside your mouth to see if you can find anything unusual. Symptoms of an oral health issue include:| • |
Damage to your teeth.
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Red, swollen gums.
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A chronic bad taste.
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Pain or sensitivity that lingers even though the initial cause of the pain or sensitivity is gone.
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A fever along with your toothache.
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
Make an AppointmentIf you notice symptoms of an oral health issue, or you suspect that there is something wrong with your mouth, it is important that you call to schedule an appointment right away. We will do our best to get you in as soon as possible. If your pain is unbearable, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help until your appointment.
Once you are in the office, a thorough oral exam is performed to determine the exact cause of your toothache. We look over your teeth and your gums, checking for signs of physical damage, decay, and infections. We also take x-rays of your mouth. This will allow us to detect hidden issues, such as root fractures, bone damage, abscesses, cysts, impacted teeth, and more.
How is a Toothache Treated?Once we have determined the cause of your pain, we can then provide you with the appropriate treatment. There are several different treatments that may be provided, depending upon your specific situation. Common treatments for toothaches include:| • |
Fillings, which are used to treat cavities. These include amalgam fillings and composite fillings.
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A dental crown. A crown is used to treat a damaged or significantly decayed tooth. It functions as a cap for the affected tooth, holding it together to prevent further harm as well as preventing infections. The crown also functions to restore strength to the tooth so that it can continue to function normally.
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A root canal, which is used to eliminate an infection inside of a tooth. Following a root canal, the treated tooth is provided with a crown.
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An extraction. In cases of severely damaged or decayed teeth, extractions may be necessary if the teeth are irreparable.
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Orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment is often recommended if your teeth or jaws are misaligned. |
An aching tooth should never be ignored. It may be nothing, but it can also indicate a serious issue. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Platte Valley Dental Care today at (816)858-2027. |
