If you have a toothache, it’s an indication that something is wrong with your oral health and needs attention. Ignoring the pain could mean you’re overlooking the early signs of a serious condition.
We often see patients with toothaches at Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona. Usually, they’re due to one of six common causes.
Infections caused by gum disease, severe decay, or damage can lead to intense tooth pain. If you have accompanying symptoms like swelling, fever, redness, tenderness, and warmth around the affected area, suspect an infection.
A dental infection can lead to abscesses, which are small, pimple-like bumps on your gums that require prompt treatment. If you suspect an infection, seek immediate dental care to prevent the spread of bacteria and potential tooth loss.
A blow to your mouth, a fall, or a sports injury can cause tooth trauma and pain. You may also experience a toothache after using your teeth as tools, like tearing open packaging or opening a bottle with your teeth.
Such trauma can lead to painful fractures, chips, or even knocked-out teeth. If you've experienced any form of dental injury, get an evaluation at our office as soon as possible to address any damage and relieve your pain.
Wisdom teeth are the extra molars at the back of your mouth that come in during your late teens or early 20s. They can cause significant discomfort if they are impacted (stuck beneath the gum line).
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, bad breath, and other complications. Even partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria and debris, increasing the risk of infection. We may recommend wisdom teeth removal to resolve these issues.
Gum disease affects more than just your gums; it can also impact your teeth. Periodontal disease can cause a toothache if bacteria accumulate along the tooth roots. Treatment for gum disease varies depending on the severity, but a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing is a common first step.
If we find an active infection, we may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and reduce tooth pain.
Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth pain. Cavities, or dental caries, are permanently damaged areas of your enamel that, if left untreated, can expand and lead to increased discomfort and infection.
Common signs of cavity-related pain include pain when biting down, visible dark spots or holes, and sudden tooth sensitivity. A simple white filling can stop the decay from progressing and relieve your pain.
Damaged or missing restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can expose a tooth's pulp (which contains nerves), causing significant sensitivity and discomfort. If you experience pain due to a broken restoration, replacing it is the only long-term solution.
We can replace restorations with custom crowns, bridges, or implants.
If you can't get an immediate appointment, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medication. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or using a topical tooth-pain anesthetic can also comfort tooth pain.
Also, recognize that toothaches can indicate serious underlying issues. Contact us for an appointment and get the relief you need. Call Goodman Dental or use the online tool to get an urgent appointment.
