Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Toothache Causes, Symptoms, & Relief
If you’re dealing with a toothache that just won’t let up, your best bet is to see our Canton, MI, emergency dentists for treatment. We believe in providing fast, considerate care so you can rest easy knowing that we’re doing everything in our power to save your teeth and prevent worsening oral health.
Here’s an overview of, possible causes behind the discomfort, and how we can efficiently treat the issue at hand.
What Is a Toothache?
Regardless of the cause, a toothache is general pain that is in or around a tooth. A handful of factors can contribute to a toothache occurring. Some minor toothaches can be treated with at-home remedies while others end up being more severe.
Knowing when to listen to your body and seek emergency dental care from our dentists is important. If a severe toothache is not quickly dealt with, there is a chance that tooth extraction will be the only solution.
We want to keep your smile healthy at all costs. If your pain is too much to self-manage and lasts longer than 2 days, please contact our Canton, MI, dental office right away.
Origins & Signs of Tooth Pain
When it comes to toothaches, it isn’t hard to know you have one. The pain can be outright distracting and make it difficult to eat or drink. Because a toothache can mean any number of things, our local emergency dentists will need to thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the cause.
Common causes of toothaches include:
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth decay
- Fractured tooth
- Damaged filling
- Excessive grinding or clenching
- Gum infection or disease
- An accumulation of food or debris between teeth
Any of the above causes will often result in sharp, throbbing, or constant . Sometimes pain only occurs when pressure is applied to the tooth. There may also be swelling associated with the toothache.
Most symptoms will resolve on their own or with simple remedies. However, it’s best to contact our emergency dental office if you are experiencing extended pain or symptoms that could indicate infection.
Get help from our dentists if your toothache:
- Lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- Is accompanied by a fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide
- Results in swollen gums or facial swelling near the affected tooth
- Is caused by visible damage to the tooth, such as cracks or chips
- Leads to discoloration of the tooth or surrounding tissue.
- Produces pus or a foul taste, indicating an infection.
Various Approaches to Treatment
Before any toothache treatmentcan be chosen, our team of dentists will conduct an oral examination and possibly take X-rays to gain a clear understanding of the issue. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, our dentists can evaluate whether the tooth requires a filling, emergency root canal, or another procedure entirely.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: For minor cavities, a filling restores the damaged tooth by sealing the affected area and preventing further decay.
- Root Canal Treatment & Dental Crowns: When decay or infection reaches the pulp, a root canal removes the damaged tissue, disinfects the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. A dental crown is often placed afterward to strengthen and protect the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction & Restorative Options: If the tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be necessary. In such cases, we can introduce you to replacement options like tooth implants, dental bridges, or partial dentures to restore functionality and aesthetics.
On the other hand, if your toothache is minor, we recommend that you try:
- Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
- Using floss to dislodge trapped food particles
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
Get Nagging Tooth Pain Treated Today
Our emergency dentists in Canton, MI, are here when you need us most, including days where toothaches keep you on edge. Call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667-4941 for urgent attention or contact us online for less time-sensitive matters.
This blog post has been updated.