The pain from a toothache can range from dull and throbbing to sharp and constant. Pressure applied to the tooth may increase the discomfort, and fever or a headache may be present. No matter the type of pain caused by a toothache, you want to stop it in its tracks. That’s where Boerne dentist Dr. Luigi Massa comes in. He can help you avoid toothache pain through regular, preventive dental care. He can also remedy toothache pain by identifying the source and applying appropriate treatment. Here, you’ll learn some common toothache causes and remedies to restore oral health.
Common Toothache Causes
The most common cause of a toothache is dental decay. A cavity is essentially a hole in a tooth caused by decay-causing bacteria destroying tooth enamel and dentin. A tooth compromised by a cavity can result in pain and pressure.
The second top-toothache cause is gum disease. This chronic inflammatory condition can wreak havoc with the health of your gums and damage the tissue that holds teeth in place, exposing sensitive tooth roots.
Other toothache causes include:
- Tooth fracture
- A damaged filling
- Dental abscess
- Jaw clenching and grinding
- Impaction (as with wisdom teeth)
- Sinus problems
- Issues with the TMJ joints
Treating Toothaches
Dr. Massa will examine your smile and discuss the details of your discomfort, such as when it started, what makes it worse, the severity of your symptoms, and other factors. A visual check of your teeth and diagnostic X-rays can help identify the source of the problem. Treatments for toothache pain depend on the cause and may include a new or replacement filling, gum disease therapy, an oral appliance to prevent grinding or resolve TMJ issues, extraction of an impacted tooth, or a dental restoration to renew a cracked or worn tooth.
Attending regular dental checkups and cleanings can go a long way toward eliminating the causes of toothache pain. Checkups let Dr. Massa monitor your oral health and identify and treat issues in the early stage, before they damage your smile.
We’re Here to Help
Don’t let a toothache take over your life. Call Premier Dental Center today to schedule an appointment with Boerne dentist Dr. Massa.