Different types of tooth pain may signal various underlying issues, each requiring a specific approach to treatment. Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward tooth pain relief. Professional dental care offers solutions that address the specific reasons for the pain you are experiencing. Here are the different types of pain and how to treat them:
Types of Tooth Pain
Sharp, sudden pain might occur when you bite, which could indicate a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling. This type of pain is brief but intense. A persistent, dull ache is another issue; it may suggest nerve damage or an abscess that has developed within the tooth or gum tissue.
Throbbing pain is a pulsating sensation that is difficult to ignore, and it may indicate a more advanced infection or abscess. This level of discomfort may disrupt daily activities like eating and sleeping. You may also experience sensitivity, which is a sharp pain in response to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
Recognizing the specific character of your tooth pain helps a dental professional diagnose the underlying issue accurately. While a dull ache might be caused by sinus pressure, it may also originate from teeth grinding. A thorough examination is necessary because pinpointing the exact cause dictates the appropriate treatment plan for providing tooth pain relief.
Root Canals
A root canal treats infection in the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay or injury, this treatment may be recommended to save the natural tooth. Without treatment, the infection could lead to an abscess and spread to other parts of the body.
Following the procedure, the tooth is no longer sensitive to hot or cold, but it may feel different. A crown or filling is typically placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its full function. This final step is necessary for long-term protection, so the treated tooth can remain healthy. This procedure effectively relieves the pain caused by the infected pulp.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged from decay or trauma to be saved, so a tooth extraction becomes the necessary course of action. This procedure entails completely removing a tooth from its socket within the bone. For a simple extraction, the dentist may loosen the tooth with an instrument before removing it. Typical reasons for extraction include:
- Severe decay
- Advanced gum disease
- A cracked or broken tooth that cannot be repaired
Tooth Restorations
Dental fillings are a standard type of restoration dentists use to repair a tooth affected by decay. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the area with a suitable material, making sure the tooth is restored properly. Crowns, also known as caps, are used when a tooth is extensively damaged because they cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Get Tooth Pain Relief Today
Ignoring tooth pain can lead to more complex dental issues and prolonged discomfort. Addressing the source of the pain promptly with professional care is the direct path to relief. A dental examination will determine the cause of your pain, and a dentist will explain the available treatment options to resolve it. Schedule an appointment with our office to get a diagnosis and find a solution for your tooth pain.
