Is your toothache preventing you from eating, speaking or sleeping comfortably? Don’t feel like your pain is something you have to suffer through. Toothaches can be signs of larger dental (or general health) issues and shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they impact your ability to function. In this post, your Attleboro dentist will discuss common toothache causes and possible treatments, ranging from pain killers to extractions.
Common Causes
Toothaches most often occur from the inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called the pulp, which contain sensitive nerve endings. Pain referred from the jaw (which originates from somewhere else in the body) can also be the cause of toothache-like symptoms. The inflammation or referred pain can be due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Tooth infections and decay
- Tooth loss or injury, including extractions
- Wisdom teeth eruption
- Gum disease
- Sinus infections
- Ear or throat pain
Medications and Root Canals
The fastest treatment for toothaches is pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This is not a permanent solution, however, and you should seek further medical assistance.
If your tooth is infected, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and may want to complete a root canal. This procedure includes the use of special files to remove the unhealthy tissue and blood vessels in the canals of your tooth’s root. Your dentist will then fill the canals and place a filling or a cap-like crown over your tooth to prevent bacteria from reentering. Root canals are often no more painful than having a regular filling placed and can relieve you of your toothache within a few days.
Tooth Extractions
While you want to keep your natural teeth for a lifetime, a tooth extraction may be necessary to ensure your health. Extractions are recommended for multiple reasons, including cases of an extreme infection (possibly where a root canal failed). Teeth may also need to be pulled if they are loosened by gum disease and cannot be supported by the surrounding tissue. In cases of compromised immune systems, including patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, teeth that simply pose the risk of being infected may be extracted.
While tooth extractions may sound like a painful procedure, patients are always provided anesthesia and prescribed painkillers for the most comfortable recovery possible. Recovery from an extraction typically takes a few days.
While toothaches are easily addressable, they can be an indicator of a larger health problem. Home remedies and over-the-counter painkillers can help bring relief but shouldn’t be your only treatment method. Reach out to your dentist if your tooth pain is disrupting your daily routine or persists for multiple days.
About the Author
At Capron Park Dental, Dr. William Herr acts as the practice’s in-house oral surgeon. After finishing his studies, he was admitted to the Veteran Administration’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, where he cared for service men and women with a focus on oral surgery, root canals and gum tissue repair. He is an active member in the Academy of General Dentistry, serving as the Massachusetts appointed delegate and Vice President. If you are experiencing tooth pain, he can be reached through his website or at 508-222-5950.