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Severe tooth pain can be awful and frustrating, and it can definitely throw your day off. Fortunately, there are things you can do to feel better quickly.
We’ll explain what might be causing the pain, the symptoms to watch for, and how dentists can help you return to smiling comfortably.
Severe tooth pain refers to intense discomfort in or around a tooth, which can be constant or intermittent. Common symptoms include:
Identifying the underlying cause of severe tooth pain is essential for effective treatment. Some common causes include:
A dental examination can diagnose the cause of severe tooth pain. It allows the dentist to identify the underlying issue and recommend appropriate treatment.
Without a proper diagnosis, the pain may persist or worsen, leading to more severe dental problems and potentially more invasive treatments.
Here are the diagnostic tools and methods that dentists use to figure out the cause of your severe tooth pain:
Dental X-rays are a basic diagnostic tool in dentistry. They help dentists visualize issues that are not visible during a regular dental exam, such as:
Comprehensive dental checkups are designed to ensure optimal oral health. During a checkup, the dentist visually inspects your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues.
Your dentist can also perform other tests. For example, a percussion test, in which they tap on the teeth to identify areas of sensitivity or pain, can indicate issues like abscesses or fractures.
A biting pressure test involves biting down on a stick or applicator to locate the source of pain. A cold air test, on the other hand, identifies areas of sensitivity, which can indicate issues like cavities or exposed roots.
Your dentist will want to know your history and symptoms. This discussion can help them understand the nature and duration of the pain, any associated symptoms, and potential triggers.
It also provides context for the clinical findings and aids in formulating a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
A thorough patient history can reveal underlying conditions that may contribute to tooth pain, ensuring a complete approach to treatment.
There are various ways to address your severe tooth pain. You can either perform home remedies while you wait for your checkup or seek professional treatments to address the root cause.
Let’s look at some home remedies:
See a dentist right away if your toothache lasts more than a day or two, is severe, or if you have other concerning symptoms like:
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Early intervention is critical to preventing complications and getting you back to feeling your best.
After proper diagnosis, your dentist will know what to do next. To help you prepare, here are some dental treatments that might be appropriate for your severe tooth pain.
Fillings are used to treat minor to moderate tooth decay or small fractures. They’re cost-effective and can be completed in a single visit.
Crowns are recommended for more extensive decay, large fractures, or after root canal treatment. The procedure typically requires multiple visits—one for tooth preparation and impression-taking and another for crown placement.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. It’s highly effective and can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Tooth extraction is considered when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired by other means, such as severe decay, fractures, or advanced periodontal disease. Depending on the tooth’s condition and position, extractions can be simple or surgical.
Post extraction, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can replace the missing tooth.
Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning procedures used to treat periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach.
These procedures can prevent further damage and promote healing. In severe cases, surgical interventions like flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration may be necessary.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause severe tooth pain due to jaw misalignment or muscle tension. Treatment options include:
If you’re experiencing a painful toothache, swollen gums, or intense dental discomfort, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can effectively diagnose and treat the root cause of your severe tooth pain, preventing future complications and restoring your oral health.
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