You shouldn't dismiss the possibility of getting a toothache as something minor just because it's possible. It's a terrible thing that could happen at any moment, and the pain could eventually become intolerable.
If you are able to identify the common symptoms of a toothache, you may be able to avoid more severe discomfort or even an emergency situation. In addition, being knowledgeable about the various treatments available for toothaches can help you make a snap decision about which path to take when the time comes.
Symptoms of a toothache
It is essential to understand that tooth pain does not spontaneously improve on its own. In point of fact, the situation only gets worse. Antibiotics and pain medications will only serve to delay what is ultimately going to happen. If you are experiencing discomfort, you should seek out toothache treatment as soon as possible from a dentist in Summerlin.
Even something as innocuous as occasional sensitivity to cold, such as when eating ice cream or drinking cold beverages, can be the first sign of an impending toothache. The pain will worsen over time and appear at increasingly frequent intervals, such as each time you bite into something or clack your teeth together, for example. In due time, the discomfort will become intolerable to the point where it will consume you and keep you awake at night.
At the first sign of toothache symptoms, you should make an appointment with our Summerlin dentist so that you can avoid having to be hospitalized as a result of a severe tooth infection.
What Causes Toothaches and How to Treat Them
There is a wide variety of possible explanations for why a tooth might be in pain. The cause of your toothache is one of the factors that will go into deciding which treatment option is best for you.
Cavities (Decay)
A cavity develops when the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth, becomes softer and more fragile.
If you look in your mouth and notice that one of your teeth has changed color, you might have a cavity. Having decay in your teeth can also cause you to be hypersensitive to cold temperatures and sweets.
Our dentist in Summerlin is likely going to suggest getting a filling as the treatment for your toothache if you have a cavity that is small to medium in size. During this procedure, we will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth, then clean and prepare the surrounding area, and finally use a composite filling material to fill in the space created by the decay.
If your tooth has a cavity that is particularly large, then the tooth is likely too weak to be repaired using a filling. We will need to cover the tooth with a crown (also known as a cap) so that it is protected from any additional damage. This crown will prevent the tooth from breaking and will fit over the entire tooth.
Abscess
An infection in a tooth can lead to the formation of a dental abscess. This condition is typically brought on by a cavity that has not been properly treated. As the decay that already exists in a tooth worsens, it moves deeper into the tooth until it eventually reaches the nerve that is contained within the tooth, which then becomes infected as a result.
If you have an abscess and you feel pain when something hot touches your tooth, this is almost always a dead giveaway that you have an abscess. It is also possible that it will hurt while you are chewing or even just by touching it. In the most severe cases, the pain may be so intolerable that it prevents you from getting a good night's sleep; in these instances, over-the-counter pain medications will not provide any relief.
It is possible for a person to have an abscessed tooth and not feel any pain even though they have the condition. In this particular scenario, it is highly likely that the person in question has a fistula on the gum. This is a pustule that has the appearance of a pimple on the skin. The knot will typically have a hole in it, which will allow the infection to drain and provide you with some relief from the pain.
It's likely that you'll be presented with more than one option to treat a dental abscess. Root canal treatment is absolutely necessary in the event that you would like to keep your natural tooth. Our Summerlin dental practice offers a treatment for toothaches in which the infected nerve tissue within the roots of the tooth is extracted, disinfected, and then sealed off to prevent bacteria from entering the area again.
You have the option of having the tooth extracted if you do not want to attempt to save it. On the other hand, this will leave a gap in both your smile and your bone.
Disease of the Gums
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be identified by a number of symptoms, including red, swollen tissue, bleeding gums, and bad breath. This condition has a significant impact on your teeth as well as your overall oral health. The bone that lies just below the gum tissue is what's responsible for the teeth's roots being firmly held in place in your mouth. A severe infection of the gums can eat away at the bone, causing the bone to weaken and deteriorate. When there is less bone support available, it can cause the teeth to shift and rock around in their sockets. When you have loose teeth, even simple tasks like closing your mouth can be excruciatingly uncomfortable.
In this particular instance, treating your toothache by bringing your periodontal disease under control could be an effective option. However, if your gum disease has progressed to the point where it can no longer be treated, there is no way to save your teeth, and you will need to have them extracted.
We are able to assist you in avoiding tooth pain.
Regular visits to our dentist in Summerlin for checkups and cleanings are one of the best things you can do to protect yourself against developing tooth pain. If it has been a while since you have put the health of your teeth as a top priority, then please give our office a call so that we can schedule an appointment for you as a new patient. Dr. Marianne Cohan and the rest of the staff at Summerlin Dental Solutions can't wait to finally put a face to your name.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
