Severe tooth pain can stop people in their tracks. A toothache can be so distracting and painful that it becomes impossible to focus on anything else until it is treated. Before you’re able to receive any tooth pain treatment, such as cavity fillings, root canals, or oral surgery, your dentist must understand the cause of the pain.
There are several reasons why your tooth might be bothering you; some concerns might be minor, and some could be a bit more serious. To help you get a better idea of what might be causing your toothache, as well as treatment options, we’ve created this tooth pain guide.
Often your best bet for tooth pain treatment is paying a visit to your Maryland endodontist. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and the team at Access Endodontics can diagnose and treat your toothache. Allowing you to return to living a comfortable, distraction-free life as soon as possible. If you’re living with the discomfort of a toothache, contact Access Endodontics at 410.304.7226.
Causes of Tooth Pain
Sometimes the constant tooth pain comes from something simple, like a stubborn popcorn kernel. However, there are other times when the cause is something more serious and complicated to correct. Below are some of the most common reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain. These cannot be fixed with a quick flossing.
- Broken tooth
- Tooth decay
- Infected gums
- Abscessed tooth
- Worn down tooth
- Failed root canal
- Damaged filling
This list may not be exhaustive, but it covers all of the most likely causes of tooth pain. These are the first things your dentist will look for during your visit. Should they determine one of the above causes to be the culprit, they will suggest one of the following treatments.
Treating Tooth Pain
Once your dentist has determined the cause of your tooth pain, they will go over the options for treatment with you. In general, you can expect any of the following suggestions.
Dental Fillings
If the cause of your tooth pain is a cavity small enough to be treated with a dental filling, that will generally be what your dentist recommends you receive. A dental filling is a quick and easy procedure that will have your tooth feeling much better in no time at all.
Restorative Dentistry
Broken or decayed teeth can be restored to their former function using restorative dental procedures, such as inlays, onlays, and crowns. With one of these procedures, your pain won’t just go away; you’ll get your tooth and your smile back.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth decay is too severe for a dental filling, or if damage to the tooth is too significant for a restorative dental procedure, extraction may be recommended. However, this is often the last resort.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If the cause of your tooth pain is infected pulp, a root canal treatment may be the best solution for you. The root canal involves removing the pulp and replacing it with a special material to remove the infection and prevent its spread.
Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy has a very high rate of success, but it’s not perfect. If your root canal doesn’t take, your endodontist may need to perform endodontic retreatment, which is essentially a second root canal.
Tooth Pain Prevention
If you want to avoid any future tooth pain, make a habit of the following:
- Brush twice a day, every single day
- Floss once a day, every single day
- Visit your dentist every six months
If it sounds simple, that’s because it is. A strong oral hygiene routine paired with regular dental visits can prevent many tooth-related issues down the road.
Find a Maryland Endodontist
If you need an endodontist in Maryland to treat your tooth pain, contact Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226 or using the online form.