Toothache can be the result of a number of causes and it is always best to see a dentist to allow for a professional assessment. It is never normal for a tooth to cause pain or to ache – it’s a sure sign that something is wrong and should be assessed as quickly as possible.
Early treatment of a painful tooth can lead to less extensive procedures, lower costs, and reduced discomfort. At Bayside Smiles, our emergency dentist in Moorabbin can assess your tooth to provide the necessary care.
We often see patients who delay treatment in hopes the pain will disappear. Unfortunately, it rarely does and often intensifies, making sleep difficult and painkillers ineffective. Don't wait; call us now for an assessment and peace of mind. We're here to help you feel comfortable and maintain your oral health.
Consider the following questions when calling:
- Is the tooth sensitive to cold or hot?
- Is the tooth painful to bite on?
- How long does the sensitivity last for?
- Is the pain sharp or dull?
- Does the pain start spontaneously?
What Causes Toothache?
Toothache is a result of inflammation of the dental pulp – the tissues inside a tooth that helped the tooth to grow. Common causes of an inflamed dental pulp are:
- Decay
- Broken fillings
- Cracks within teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
- Bacterial infection of a tooth
There are a number of conditions unrelated to a tooth that can cause it to ache. These can be simple or complex and require the skill of a dentist to diagnose. Common examples are sinus pain and gum infection/inflammation.
Toothache that has been quite bad but then goes away is often a result of the pulp inside the tooth dying. The next step is a dental abscess. Don’t delay treatment if you’ve had lingering pain in a tooth that goes away suddenly.
How Do We Treat Toothache?
Treatment is entirely dependent on making the correct diagnosis which is why we always start with a thorough examination, often including x-rays so we can see the internal structures of a tooth.
Treatment can be as simple as doing nothing, removing some debris caught between teeth or applying varnish to a sensitive area of tooth. It can be as complex as extraction or root canal treatment.