Dental pain can leave you unable to get through the day. You may feel overwhelmed and reliant on pain medications. Instead, reach out for help. Tooth pain is an indication that something is wrong. Reaching out to your dentist is the best way to ensure you protect your oral health. Our team at Lovett Dental Heights can provide guidance and support, including by offering emergency dental services.
What Can Cause Tooth Pain?
A variety of things can cause tooth pain. The location, type of pain, and the overall severity of the pain often can provide some insight into the cause. Here are some common causes of tooth pain.
Tooth Decay
Perhaps the most common cause of tooth pain is tooth decay. As the tooth wears down due to bacteria buildup, the nerve can be exposed. Before this, the sensitive interior of the tooth can become exposed as the enamel wears down. This causes sharp and sometimes intense pain.
Tooth Fracture
If you chip your tooth or it breaks off when eating, that can expose the nerve within your tooth as well. Tooth fracture pain tends to be intense and hard to limit if the nerve is present.
Infected Gums
Tooth pain is sometimes related to your gums. The gums can become red and inflamed, especially if you have gum disease or periodontal disease. You may notice blood when you brush your teeth as well. Gum pain tends to feel like soreness or an ache and may run along the base of your teeth.
Grinding Pain
Grinding your teeth, which involves involuntarily moving your teeth against each other, can often happen due to stress. When this happens, it causes an intense soreness around the tops of your teeth and into your gums.
Damaged or Missing Fillings
If you have a filling in place that falls out or becomes dislodged, it can expose the nerve root in your tooth. This can create a sharp, intense pain that can be debilitating. Many pain medications work limitedly.
When Is Tooth Pain an Emergency?
If you have tooth pain of any type, it is best to call your dentist to inquire about a teeth cleaning and consultation. Even mild pain should not be ignored. In some cases, you may need emergency dental services. This occurs when the pain is severe or does not improve with over-the-counter pain medications. Many dental practices, including Lovett Dental Heights, offers emergency dental services.
What Should You Do if You Have Tooth Pain?
General dentistry services are your best bet for treating most types of dental pain. Our team can help you with a range of treatments depending on the type of tooth pain you have. This includes providing you with advanced care to improve your overall oral health.
- Routine and deep dental cleanings
- Fillings and sealants
- Root canal treatments
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Dental crowns and bridges
If you have tooth pain, you may be able to avoid it from happening again by coming in for general dentistry services on a routine basis. You should do so at least one time every six months or any time you have any additional pain. This is one of the best ways to preserve your oral health and to keep your teeth, gums, and jawbone healthy for years to come.
Don’t Put Off Treatment for Tooth Pain – Call Lovett Dental Heights Today for Help
Tooth pain indicates you need to do something to improve your oral health. It is possible to improve your pain and oral health overall when you schedule general dentistry services. You can trust Lovett Dental Heights to provide the care you need. For an appointment or for emergency dental services, call 832-767-2210 now.
