When is it time to call the dentist about your toothache?

A toothache can be a truly uncomfortable experience and sometimes has the potential to cause lasting pain and affect your ability to eat and speak normally especially if it turns into a tooth infection. Many patients aren’t quite sure what they should do about toothaches, so here is what you should know if you’re experiencing one right now.

Always take toothaches seriously.

Patients might not realize just how serious a toothache can be. Many simply try to endure the pain until it goes away, but taking action and seeking out a dentist is always the best option. Your toothache might not be an emergency, but you should schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

Toothaches can have a variety of causes with differing levels of severity. They can be caused by tooth decay and cavities, especially if you’re facing sensitivity when eating. Physical damage, like cracks or chips, can also lead to tooth pain.

These problems only get worse if they aren’t treated. You could find yourself dealing with more invasive procedures in the future. That might mean having to have the tooth extracted or undergo other more expensive treatments. If you’re dealing with a toothache, it’s best to call your dentist sooner rather than later.

The causes of a toothache can also lead to another serious issue: tooth infections. The possibility that your tooth is infected merits calling an emergency dentist for the soonest available treatment.

Identifying a Tooth Infection

The pain caused by tooth infections can become very intense. If the infection spreads, you could be dealing with root canal pain and infected gums. If you’re dealing with a toothache that pain medication can’t help, there’s a significant chance you have an infection.

You can also watch out for additional signs of tooth infection, such as:

• Sudden tooth discoloration
• Face or jaw swelling
• Jaw pain
• Swollen gums
• Difficulty opening your mouth

If you have reason to believe that your toothache is caused by an infection, you should call an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

The Causes of Tooth Infection

Your mouth is home to many bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and other issues. With a good oral care routine, these bacteria aren’t a major concern. However, they become a real threat if they reach the soft tissue inside your tooth.

When tooth decay, wear, or cracks expose the tissue inside your tooth, bacteria can get inside and cause a serious infection. This is what causes root canal pain, as the infection spreads to the nerve tissue inside the roots. The infection can also spread to the tooth through gum disease.

If left untreated, your infection can eventually lead to an abscessed tooth. The infection will cause a pocket of pus to form inside the tooth, which can cause severe pain and sensitivity. If an infection reaches this stage, there is a significant chance that the tooth will have to be extracted.

What to Do If You Have a Toothache

The first thing you should do is call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Even if you don’t have a tooth infection, a toothache means something is wrong. Your dentist will be able to determine the problem and provide you with treatment options.

In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain. Holding an ice pack against your cheek is another effective option. You should schedule your appointment as soon as possible and use these options to deal with the pain temporarily.

Make sure to explain all of your symptoms when making your appointment. The dental practice can let you know if you’re showing any signs that would require immediate treatment.

If the toothache goes away on its own, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit the dentist. There is still an underlying issue at hand that needs to be dealt with. In some cases, the pain going away can be a bad sign. The nerve tissue inside your tooth can eventually die, so root canal pain disappearing often means the problem is worse.

What Your Dentist Will Do

When you reach out to Dixon, Boles & Associates for a dentist in Wilson, NC, we’ll get you into our office as soon as possible. We’ll carry out a thorough examination to find the cause of your toothache. 

We have a wide variety of treatment options for dealing with tooth decay, damaged teeth, abscessed teeth, root canals, and more. Your dentist will be able to assess the appropriate treatment to repair your tooth and ensure you are comfortable and pain free while they do so. 

If your tooth is seriously damaged, we can provide tooth crowns to restore its appearance and function. A dental crown—usually crafted from zirconia—covers the entirety of your damaged tooth to protect and reinforce it. Because zirconia is an incredibly lifelike material, your crown will look just like your natural tooth.  

Dixon, Boles & Associates is experienced in restoring the health of your teeth. 

Having a toothache can be worrisome as well as painful, but modern dentistry has many solutions that will get you biting, smiling, and chewing in no time! When you need a dentist in Wilson, NC, for toothache relief, fillings, dental crowns, or any other treatment, just contact Dixon, Boles & Associates to book your appointment.