What is tooth pain?
Tooth pain, commonly called a toothache, happens when the nerves surrounding your tooth become inflamed or irritated. It can range from a severe, sharp pain to a constant dull ache. In some cases, tooth pain can be debilitating, impacting your ability to chew or bite down.
What are the symptoms of tooth pain?
Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, you can experience a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Sharp, dull, or throbbing pain
- Swollen gums
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when biting down
- Bad breath
If your tooth pain stems from an abscess, you may notice a foul-tasting liquid in your mouth. In this instance, it’s important to call Laser Dental Group right away. A ruptured abscess can leave your mouth vulnerable to potentially harmful bacteria.
What causes tooth pain?
Most causes of tooth pain aren’t serious, but determining the underlying reason for your toothache can help prevent a future dental emergency. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain are:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, eats away at your protective tooth enamel. If tooth decay progresses, it can inflame your tooth roots and cause pain.
Cracked tooth
A fractured tooth can expose your tooth roots, leading to pain and inflammation. Depending on the depth of the fracture, tooth pain from a cracked tooth can be severe.
Gum disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that causes inflammation. Advanced periodontal disease causes gum recession, which can leave your tooth roots exposed.
Damaged filling
A damaged filling exposes your decayed tooth and roots to bacteria and debris, which can cause tooth pain.
Teeth grinding
Bruxism causes chronic grinding and clenching of your teeth and jaws. Too much pressure on your teeth not only causes tooth pain, it can also lead to headaches and jaw pain.
How is tooth pain treated?
The first step in treating tooth pain is to find the underlying cause. First, your dentist performs a dental exam, which may include X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests.
Laser Dental Group offers a variety of treatments for tooth pain, including laser dental treatment. The team commonly uses laser technology to remove old fillings, sterilize infections, and perform root canal therapy for infected root canals.
When compared to traditional drill-based procedures, laser dental treatments offer faster healing, decreased sensitivity, and a reduced risk of infection.
To schedule an appointment with the dentists at Laser Dental Group, call the office or book a visit online now.
