Toothache? Remember These Things
September 5, 2017
A toothache can surprise you. One moment, you feel just fine and the next, you are dealing with some serious pain in your tooth. Toothaches may feel like they come on all of a sudden, but usually, the cause has been building up over time. Some of these causes can be serious, some can be less serious, and some have the potential to change from less serious to really serious very quickly. When you get a toothache, it’s important to make an appointment to see your dentist. Even if the pain fades away, the underlying cause could still be lingering.
Little Pain Can Lead to a Big Problem
Tooth decay rarely causes pain at the beginning stages. It may even erode your enamel before you feel it at all. You may only notice some sensitivity when you eat something cold or sugary. Once you notice pain or sensitivity, it is best to talk to your dentist. Once decay reaches the dentin and inner pulp area of the tooth, you may feel pain. However, at this stage of decay, treatment options may narrow. Early treatment of decay or breakage can prevent the need for root canal treatment or extraction. As time goes on, the pain may worsen. Tooth problems rarely get better on their own, so delaying treatment does not mean putting it off forever. It usually means you just put it off until it becomes an emergency.
Fix the Problem, Not Just the Pain
Most of the time, an over-the-counter pain reliever can treat the pain of a toothache. While the pain may be fixed temporarily, the source of the pain is still a problem. If you find yourself reaching for a bottle to ease tooth pain, it may be time to contact your dentist. Your dentist can identify if the pain is caused by tooth decay, breakage, misalignment, bruxism, etc. Once the source of the pain is identified, it can be treated.
Call Your Dentist When You Have a Toothache
A toothache is unlikely to go away on its own. Schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.