Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options and Prevention

Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options and Prevention

Aug 01, 2023

Pain in your teeth disrupts your schedule and interferes with your ability to eat or drink. Fortunately, your dentist can treat tooth pain and restore your teeth so they function correctly. Read on to learn about toothache treatment.

What is a Toothache & Its Effects on Your Health?

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. It may occur as a persistent dull ache, sharp or throbbing pain. Toothaches cause acute discomfort and prevent a person from eating, drinking, or sleeping. Therefore, it is crucial to seek toothache treatment.

What are the Causes of Toothache?

The following are possible reasons why you may develop tooth pain.

  1. Decay that extends to the inner tooth parts
  2. Dental trauma that causes a tooth to break or fracture
  3. Tooth abscesses or bacterial infections within the tooth
  4. Gum infections or diseases
  5. Damaged restorations, such as a crown or filling
  6. Teeth grinding and clenching

What are the Signs/Symptoms of Toothache?

People experience various symptoms when having a toothache. They include the following:

  1. Throbbing tooth pain
  2. Sudden sharp tooth pain.
  3. A constant dull ache in the tooth
  4. Pain when you put pressure on the tooth when biting
  5. Tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  6. Swelling around the tooth

You should seek immediate toothache treatment near you when these symptoms go with your pain.

  • Bad taste or drainage from the tooth
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • A high fever
  • Earache or pain when opening the mouth wide

What are the Treatment Options for Toothache?

When you visit our dentist near you, with symptoms of a toothache, they will diagnose the problem. Below are some of the toothache treatment options they may recommend:

1) Medication

Our dentist in Plano, TX may administer medicine to relieve the pain and tenderness. They may also prescribe antibiotics to treat infections that cause tooth pain. However, these treatments are for temporary relief.

2) Tooth Fillings

If a small cavity causes toothache, the dentist will treat it using dental fillings. They also restore a broken piece of the tooth using a filling. The dentist will clear the decayed or damaged parts of the tooth and then fill the hole with a filling. They may use gold, glass ionomer, composite or porcelain fillings.

3) Dental Crowns

The dentist will use a crown if you have a large cavity or have severely damaged or weakened teeth. A dental crown is a cap made from ceramic, porcelain, cast gold, or metal alloys. Dental crowns improve the strength and aesthetics of teeth. Your dentist will eliminate the damaged or decayed parts and then cover the tooth with a crown.

4) Root Canal Therapy

When a toothache occurs because of infections inside the tooth, the dentist will perform root canal therapy. The treatment involves assessing the dental pulp and removing diseased tissues and bacteria. Your dentist will then restore the tooth with fillings or a crown to prevent reinfection.

5) Inlays or Onlays

Toothaches caused by cavities require the hole to be restored. The dentist will use dental inlays when your cavity is too big or deep for a filling. When it is extensive and affects the cusps of your tooth, the dentist will treat the tooth with onlays.

6) Tooth Extraction

This is usually the last treatment option when the tooth is too damaged to save. The dentist will pull out a severely damaged or diseased tooth from its socket. Then, they will treat the infection. Afterwards, they will recommend options to replace the extracted tooth. These may include dental implants, crowns, bridges, or partial dentures.

What are the Important Tips to Prevent Toothache?

It is not always possible to prevent toothaches, but you can reduce their risk. Here are some tips to help you.

  • Maintain excellent dental hygiene daily. Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth using an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste or have fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and minimize the risk of decay.
  • Avoid consuming sugary or acidic foods too often. Also, avoid hard-to-chew foods that can break or damage your teeth.
  • Get dental sealants from your dentist.
  • Attend dental exams and cleanings appointments regularly.

Get Toothache Treatment Near You

Toothaches impact the quality of your life and oral health negatively. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment whenever you have a toothache. Call us or schedule an appointment at SS Dental for toothache treatment in Plano, TX. We will treat the cause of toothache and help you prevent future tooth pain!