Tooth Pain Relief Bridgeton, MO
Tooth pain relief in Bridgeton, MO. Tooth pain is a common symptom for numerous different dental problems. It can be sore and annoying, or severely painful and debilitating. If you have a mild toothache that just don’t go away, or suddenly feel severe tooth pain right away, seek medical treatment from a professional Bridgeton, MO dentist right away. Even when not severe, tooth pain can point to other ailments that will worsen if not treated promptly. If you’re in need of tooth pain relief in Bridgeton, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center now at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.
Top 9 Common Causes of Tooth Pain | Bridgeton, MO Dental Center
Tooth pain can come from numerous dental problems, from mild to severe. The following are the top 9 reasons people seek tooth pain relief for in Bridgeton, MO:
- Teeth grinding — Clinically referred to as bruxism, some people grind their teeth because of anxiety, as a side effect of some medical conditions, alcohol, or during transitions in the sleep cycle. Teeth grinding can strip teeth of their protective layer, or cause teeth to loosen, both of which cause tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) — TMJ refers to several dental problems impacting temporomandibular joint, which attaches the jaw to the skull. When the joint isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause a variety of symptoms including migraines, swelling on the side of the face, popping, difficulty opening the mouth, and pain when you chew.
- Gum disease — Conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis are the result of tartar building up where the gums meet the teeth, irritating the gums. If untreated, the gums retreat from the root of the tooth, which pulls back the protective layer over your teeth and causes tooth pain. Gum disease can easily be prevented with proper dental habits like brushing and flossing and biannual cleanings and polishing.
- Oral cancer — If you just can’t seem to get rid of your tooth pain, the culprit may be oral cancer. It can reveal itself as bumps, hard-edged cracks, or red, white, or speckled patches. While most cases can be cured with prompt and professional care, if it’s not caught early it could be life threatening.
- Cavities — A cavity is destruction of the enamel covering your teeth that is the result of tooth decay. When that destruction occurs, 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 right because of this, they’re referred to as “impacted.” According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, roughly 9 out of 10 adults have at least one wisdom tooth that doesn’t grow in right. Wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift position and allow food and bacteria to fester beneath teeth, causing infection, which can result in pain in the wisdom tooth and surrounding areas.
- Tooth extractions — If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, the teeth around the pulled tooth may be sore for one to several days after the procedure. This is not dangerous and the pain will pass, and it can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Nerve damage — A rare, but chronic condition called trigeminal neuralgia happens when the 5th cranial nerve is irritated. While most of the pain will be dispersed throughout the head, it can cause tooth pain when certain daily activities are performed.
- Damaged teeth — When teeth are broken or cracked it can also cause tooth pain.
Tooth pain can also be caused by non-dental problems, such as eating a diet that’s too acidic, a sinus infection, or suffering an injury. While living a healthier life get rid of tooth pain, an appointment with a dentist is often needed to fix the root of the problem.
When Should I Make an Appointment With a Dentist in Bridgeton, MO for Tooth Pain Relief?
There are many over-the-counter treatments or at-home remedies that can ease your toothaches and offer tooth pain relief. However, if tooth pain won’t go away and/or it’s significant you should always schedule a dental examination to let a professional determine if more aggressive treatment is necessary. If a tooth is cracked or loose, get to the dentist as soon as possible. If untreated, food and bacteria can find their way into those gaps and cause serious dental problems.
Do not wait to seek dental care in Bridgeton, MO for tooth pain relief if:
- The tooth pain goes on for more than two days
- The tooth pain onsets suddenly and is unbearable
- 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 should be addressed promptly, as, if you do not seek treatment, the root dental problem can spread to the jaw, skull, or even your bloodstream. Often, the best thing to do is to seek professional tooth pain relief from an expert Bridgeton, MO dentist.
How a Dentist in Bridgeton, MO Can Offer Tooth Pain Relief
Our teeth aren’t like other parts of our body that can heal on their own. Regrowth, reconstruction, and healing can only be accomplished in Bridgeton, MO 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? What is your pain level? Is it one tooth or does the pain radiate to other parts of your mouth? What makes it better or worse?
Next, they’ll check inside your mouth to find the root cause of the pain. Their treatment and manner of getting tooth pain relief will be based on what the root cause is. Cavities and other decay and be addressed with fillings or sealants. There are numerous of periodontal treatments available if the pain is caused by gingivitis or periodontitis. They may want to implant dental bonds, crowns, or implants for teeth that are damaged beyond repair. If the pain is the fault of nerve damage, your Bridgeton, MO dentist may want to do a root canal for tooth pain relief.
The underling issues can only be diagnosed in Bridgeton, MO by a professional dentist. If you’ve tried everything else for tooth pain relief and your symptoms aren’t getting better, request an appointment with a dental office today.
Bridgeton, MO Tooth Pain Relief | Plaza Dental Center
As always, prevention and care such as proper oral hygiene and biannual cleanings and polishings is key to preventing toothaches completely. But if prevention wasn’t effective, or you’re now regretting that you weren’t more active in your dental care, it’s not too late to seek treatment. Our Bridgeton, MO dentists are particularly interested in patients who are nervous about going to the dentist, as we believe meaningful tooth pain relief is something everyone in Bridgeton, MO should have access to. Reach out to Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.