Tooth Pain Relief St. Louis
Tooth pain relief in St. Louis. Toothaches and pain are common symptoms for a variety of ailments and conditions. They can be dull and annoying, or severely painful and debilitating. If you’re experiencing consistent toothaches, or suddenly feel severe tooth pain right away, seek medical treatment from a qualified St. Louis dentist as soon as possible. Even when not severe, tooth pain and be an indicator of other conditions that will worsen if not treated promptly. If you’re looking for tooth pain relief in St. Louis, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.
Top 9 Common Causes of Tooth Pain | St. Louis Dental Center
Tooth pain can come from a variety of dental problems, some more serious than others. Below are the top 9 most common conditions a dentist in St. Louis will be able to provide tooth pain relief for:
- Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, teeth grinding can be the result of stress, as a side effect of some medicines, because of too much caffeine, or just unconsciously as they’re asleep. Teeth grinding can wear teeth down, grinding away at enamel, or cause teeth to loosen, both of which cause tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) — TMJ refers to a number of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which attaches the jaw to the skull. When the joint isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to a host of symptoms including headaches, swelling, popping or clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, and pain when you chew.
- Gum disease — Conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis occur when tartar builds up where the gums meet the teeth, irritating the gums. If untreated, the gums start to recede, which pulls back the protective layer over your teeth and causes tooth pain. Gum disease can easily be prevented with healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and polishing.
- Oral cancer — If tooth pain just won’t go away, it might be a sign of oral cancer. It can reveal itself as bumps, lumps, hard-edged cracks, or discoloration. While it’s usually highly treatable, if it’s not caught early it could be life threatening.
- Cavities — A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops because of tooth decay. When a tooth decays, it exposes the middle of the tooth, which is called pulp. The pulp contains highly sensitive nerve endings, which cause tooth pain when exposed.
- Impacted wisdom teeth — Our mouths are designed to hold 28 teeth, not 32. When wisdom teeth do not grow in properly because of this, they’re referred to as “impacted.” According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, roughly 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift position and can lead to infection and decay, which causes pain in the teeth and jaw.
- Tooth extractions — If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, the surrounding teeth may be sore for one to several days after the procedure. This will generally go away on its own and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Nerve damage — A condition called trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the 5th cranial nerve is damaged or irritated. While it mostly causes pain to the face, it can cause tooth pain when brushing, eating, or drinking.
- Damaged teeth — Infected teeth, broken teeth, and abscessed teeth are also common conditions that lead to tooth pain.
There are other causes of tooth pain that aren’t necessarily dental problems, such as eating a diet that’s too acidic, brushing too hard, or suffering an injury. While there are some lifestyle changes you can make to eliminate tooth pain, you’ll often need to see a dentist to address the root of the problem.
When to See a St. Louis Dentist for Tooth Pain Relief
There are many over-the-counter treatments or at-home remedies that can alleviate toothaches and offer tooth pain relief. However, if tooth pain is persistent and/or severe it’s always best to schedule a dental examination to see if there are any serious underlying conditions. If a tooth is cracked or loose, see a dentist as soon as possible. If untreated, food and bacteria can find their way into those gaps and cause serious dental problems.
You should immediately seek dental care in St. Louis for tooth pain relief if:
- The tooth pain lasts longer than two days
- The tooth pain begins suddenly and is severe
- You have other symptoms, such as a fever, earache, or pain when opening your mouth
- You’ve had tooth sensitivity for a while and it’s getting worse
- You have pain when biting down
Tooth pain is not something that should be ignored, as, if untreated, the underlying cause can spread to the jaw, skull, or even your bloodstream. Often, the only cure is to seek professional tooth pain relief from an expert St. Louis dentist.
How a Dentist in St. Louis Can Offer Tooth Pain Relief
Our teeth aren’t like other parts of our body that can heal on their own. If there is damage to a tooth, it can only be treated in St. Louis by a dentist. When you first see your dentist, they’ll likely start with a series of questions. How long have you been experiencing tooth pain? How severe is the pain? Where exactly is it? What makes it better or worse?
Then, they’ll perform an examination of your mouth to find the root cause of the pain. Their treatment and manner of getting tooth pain relief will depend on what the root cause is. Cavities and other decay and be fixed with fillings or sealants. There is a wide array of periodontal treatments available if the pain is caused by gum disease. They may recommend dental bonds, crowns, or implants if teeth are chipped, cracked, or broken. If the pain is related to nerve damage, your St. Louis dentist may perform a root canal for tooth pain relief.
Dental problems can only be diagnosed in St. Louis by a licensed and professional dentist. If you’ve tried everything else for tooth pain relief and your symptoms aren’t getting better, request an appointment with a dentist today.
St. Louis Tooth Pain Relief | Plaza Dental Center
As always, prevention and care like proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits is the best way to avoid toothaches and tooth pain altogether. But if that didn’t work, or you’re now regretting that you weren’t more active in your dental care, it’s not too late to seek treatment. Our St. Louis dentists are especially dedicated to helping patients who are uncomfortable in a dentist’s chair, as we believe meaningful tooth pain relief should be available to everyone in St. Louis. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.