A Toothache is a Sign You Need a Full Dental Checkup
By: drprice | Monday, November 30th, 2020 | General Dentistry
Monday, November 30th, 2020
Toothaches are uncomfortable, to say the least. Most people do what they can to avoid this stressful problem. Even if a toothache is mild, it is a signal that something is affecting those pearly whites. Sometimes, tooth pain can be a secondary problem. For example, a sinus infection or bad allergies may cause nerve irritation that results in pain in the mouth. This can happen but, more often than not, a toothache means you need a dental checkup.
What Causes a Toothache?
The most common reason a person gets a toothache is that a tooth has begun to sustain damage from oral bacteria. Another reason a tooth may hurt is that it has been fractured or because grinding or clenching takes place during sleep. A toothache can feel like a dull ache or sharp or throbbing pain. It may occur intermittently or remain constant. The tooth may hurt only when chewing or brushing teeth, or when drinking hot or cold beverages. However, tooth pain feels, it is important to get to the source of that pain. A full dental exam can do that.
When Should I See a Dentist for My Toothache?
People often treat tooth pain with warm salt-water rinses or over-the-counter pain medication. Because toothaches usually stem from an underlying problem like decay, home remedies only provide temporary relief. They do not resolve the problem that is causing pain. Without adequate care, the toothache is likely to persist or come back even worse. See a dentist if:
- Tooth pain lasts more than a day or two.
- Pain is severe.
- Tooth pain coincides with swelling, fever, or jaw pain.
What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment
When you have a toothache, your dentist will try to fit you into their schedule right away. When you call our office, let us know the reason for your visit. We don’t want you waiting any longer than absolutely necessary to get the care you need to restore comfort. At the time of your visit, we may perform full x-rays or x-rays only of the area where the pain is occurring. This depends on how long it has been since your last full dental exam. Dr. Price may ask for details about your toothache, such as the type of pain you are having. He will review the x-rays to evaluate the root of your tooth and the tooth structure itself for signs of damage such as a fracture. Treatment can then be performed based on the reason for the toothache.
A toothache may be treated with a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown. In more severe cases of damage, a root canal may be needed. It is advantageous to schedule a dental exam as soon as a toothache starts so we can repair the problem in the most conservative way.
Schedule your dental exam at our Burke, VA office today. Call (703)-935-2879.
