Toothaches: What You Need To Know

Posted on

Toothaches are among the most painful medical conditions one can experience. You cannot ignore a toothache, and the problem will not go away without care from a dentist. If you are experiencing persistent toothaches, you need to see your dentist right away. Here are some things you need to know about toothaches:

What Is a Toothache?

If you have never had a toothache before, count yourself lucky. A toothache is a pain in or surrounding a tooth. You can treat a minor toothache at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever, analgesic gel, and salt water gargles while you wait for your dentist appointment. If you cannot manage your pain at home, you need to get to the dentist for an emergency appointment to see if the tooth is infected.

A toothache consists of throbbing, sharp, continual pain in the area of the tooth. You may also have some swelling and bleeding with serious toothaches.

What Causes Toothaches?

There are several factors that contribute to toothaches. A toothache can occur when you have tooth decay or an abscessed tooth. If a dental filling falls out, you may experience pain from that problem. Tooth or gum infections also cause tooth pain. Any type of tooth trauma, such as a break or a fracture can also result in a toothache.

When Is a Toothache an Emergency?

If your toothache is manageable and tolerable, you can make an appointment with your dentist to have the tooth checked. If you have a toothache that lasts longer than a couple of days, your pain is extra severe, or if your toothache is accompanied by a fever or pain when you open your mouth, you need to make an emergency appointment to see the dentist right away.

How Are Toothaches Treated?

Your treatment will depend on the cause of the problem. Once you go to the dentist, they will examine the tooth and take X-rays to check the roots and structure of the tooth. If the tooth has a cavity, the dentist will remove the decay and fill the tooth. In more severe cases, you may need a root canal. If your toothache is especially damaged or decayed, the dentist may opt to extract the tooth if the tooth cannot be saved with a filling or a root canal. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics for pain and infection.

If you are experiencing a toothache, do not wait to seek treatment. The problem will likely get worse and cause you even more pain. Contact a family dental care facility in your area as soon as you notice a toothache.


Share