Tooth Pain Relief Olivette, MO
Tooth pain relief in Olivette, MO. Tooth pain can be the result of a variety of 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 Olivette, MO dentist right away. Even when not severe, tooth pain can point to other dental problems that will worsen if not treated promptly. If you’re looking for tooth pain relief in Olivette, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.
Top 9 Conditions That Cause Tooth Pain | Olivette, MO Dental Center
Tooth pain can be owed to a variety of dental problems, from mild to significant. The following are the most common 9 reasons people seek tooth pain relief for in Olivette, MO:
- Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, some people grind their teeth because of anxiety, as a side effect of some medical conditions, caffeine, or during transitions in the sleep cycle. Teeth grinding can wear teeth down, or cause teeth to loosen, both of which are a common cause of tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) — TMJ refers to a number of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which attaches the jaw to the skull. When your ability to control your jaw is impacted, it can result in a variety of symptoms including migraines, swelling on the side of the face, clicking, difficulty lowering your jaw, and pain when speaking.
- Gum disease — Gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis occur when tartar builds up where the gums meet the teeth, which affects the gums. If you don’t seek treatment for gum disease, the gums pull back, which pulls back the protective layer over your teeth and causes tooth pain. Gum disease is common, but highly preventable with proper oral habits like brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and polishing.
- Oral cancer — If tooth pain just won’t go away, it’s possible that you are suffering from oral cancer. It can reveal itself as thickening, ulcers, or discoloration. While most cases can be cured with prompt and professional care, if it’s not caught early it could be deadly.
- Cavities — A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the enamel of the tooth that is caused by tooth decay. When the enamel is damaged, it leaves vulnerable the middle of the tooth, which is referred to as pulp. The pulp contains incredibly sensitive nerve endings, which cause tooth pain when exposed.
- Impacted wisdom teeth — Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to chew tough food, but over time humans have developed smaller jaws. That causes wisdom teeth to not grow in, grow in sideways, or affect other teeth as they try to push through Based on research from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, around 90 percent of people have at least one wisdom tooth that doesn’t grow in right. Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of position position and allow food and bacteria to fester beneath teeth, causing infection, which causes pain in the teeth and jaw.
- Tooth extractions — If you had to have a tooth pulled, 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 reduced with acetaminophen or other easily available medicine.
- Nerve damage — A rare, but chronic condition called trigeminal neuralgia happens when the 5th cranial nerve is irritated. While it mostly causes pain to the face, it can cause tooth pain when brushing, eating, or drinking.
- 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 heart disease, brushing too hard, or you suffered a blow to your mouth. While there are some lifestyle changes you can make to prevent tooth pain, an appointment with a dentist is often required to address the underlying issues.
When to See a Dentist in Olivette, MO for Tooth Pain Relief
There are various non-prescription drugs or mouthwash treatments or at-home remedies that can ease your toothaches and provide tooth pain relief. However, if tooth pain is persistent and/or it’s severe it’s a good idea to request 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 you can. If untreated, food and bacteria can find their way into those gaps and cause issues for your gums, bone, and the nerves in your mouth.
Do not wait to seek dental care in Olivette, MO for tooth pain relief if:
- The tooth pain goes on for more than two days
- The tooth pain onsets without warning and is severe
- You have other symptoms, such as a fever, pain elsewhere in your face, or pain when moving your jaw
- You’ve experienced chronic tooth sensitivity and it’s getting worse
- You have pain when chewing
Tooth pain should be addressed promptly, as, if you do not seek treatment, the underlying cause can spread to other parts of your mouth, head, and body. Often, the best thing to do is to seek professional tooth pain relief from an experienced Olivette, MO dentist.
How a Dentist in Olivette, MO Can Offer Tooth Pain Relief
While other parts of your body can heal themselves naturally, our teeth cannot. Regrowth, reconstruction, and healing can only be accomplished in Olivette, MO by a dentist. Most dental examinations begin with questions about your tooth pain. When did the tooth pain start? How severe is the pain? Is it one tooth or does the pain radiate to other parts of your mouth? What makes it better or worse?
Then, they’ll check inside your mouth to see if anything else is going on. Their recommendation for tooth pain relief will be based on what the root cause is. Cavities and other decay and be addressed with fillings or sealants. There is a wide array of periodontal treatments available if the pain is caused by gum disease. They may suggest dental bonds, crowns, or implants for teeth that are damaged beyond repair. If the pain is caused by nerve damage, your Olivette, MO dentist may want to do a root canal for tooth pain relief.
The root cause can only be diagnosed in Olivette, MO by a professional dentist. If you’ve tried everything else for tooth pain relief and your symptoms aren’t improving, request an appointment with a dental office today.
Olivette, MO Tooth Pain Relief | Plaza Dental Center
As always, prevention and care such as healthy dental habits and regular cleanings and polishings is the best way to avoid tooth pain completely. 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 Olivette, MO dentists are particularly interested in patients who are uncomfortable in a dentist’s chair, as we believe meaningful tooth pain relief is something everyone in Olivette, MO should enjoy. Reach out to Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.