Tooth Pain Relief St. John, MO
Tooth pain relief in St. John, MO. Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of dental problems. It can be dull and annoying, or severely painful and debilitating. If you have a mild toothache that just don’t go away, or feel sudden and intense tooth pain, go to a qualified St. John, MO dental office as soon as possible. Even if you think you can manage the pain, tooth pain can be an indicator of other ailments that will worsen if not treated promptly. If you’re looking for tooth pain relief in St. John, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.
Top 9 Common Causes of Tooth Pain | St. John, MO Dental Center
Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of dental problems, from mild to debilitating. The following are the most common 9 reasons people seek tooth pain relief for in St. John, MO:
- Teeth grinding — Technically known as 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 strip teeth of their protective layer, 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 dental problems that affect the temporomandibular joint, which which acts like a sliding hinge between your jawbone and skull. When your ability to control your jaw is impacted, it can cause a host of symptoms including migraines, swelling, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, and pain when you chew.
- Gum disease — Gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis are the result of tartar building 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 eliminates protective layer over your teeth and causes tooth pain. Gum disease is common, but highly preventable with healthy dental habits like brushing and flossing and twice-yearly 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, ulcers, or discoloration. While it’s usually highly treatable, if it’s not caught early it could be life threatening.
- Cavities — A cavity is destruction of the hard surface covering your teeth that is the result of tooth decay. When the hard surface is damaged, it leaves vulnerable the highly-sensitive middle of the tooth, causing tooth pain.
- Impacted wisdom teeth — Our mouths are meant to hold 28 teeth, not 32. When wisdom teeth do not grow in right because of this, they’re referred to as “impacted.” Based on research from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, around 90 percent of adults have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift position and can lead to infection and decay, which can result in pain in the wisdom tooth and surrounding areas.
- Tooth extractions — If you had to have a tooth pulled, the surrounding teeth may be sore for a few days afterwards. This will generally go away on its own and can be managed with acetaminophen or other easily available medicine.
- Nerve damage — A rare, but chronic condition called trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the 5th cranial nerve is damaged. While most of the pain will be to the face and other areas of the head, it can result in tooth pain when certain daily activities are performed.
- Damaged teeth — Infected teeth, cracked teeth, and abscessed teeth are also common conditions that cause toothaches.
Tooth pain can also be caused by non-dental problems, such as heart disease, a sinus infection, or suffering an injury. While living a healthier life avoid tooth pain, you’ll often need to see a dentist to address the underlying issues.
When to See a Dentist in St. John, MO for Tooth Pain Relief
There are various 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 severe it’s always best to request a dental examination to see if there are any serious underlying conditions. If you break a tooth or one becomes loose, see a dentist ASAP. If that tooth is not addressed, food and bacteria can find their way into those gaps and cause issues for your gums, bone, and the nerves in your mouth.
You should immediately seek dental care in St. John, MO for tooth pain relief if:
- The tooth pain lasts longer than two days
- The tooth pain begins without warning and is unbearable
- Your tooth pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, pain elsewhere in your face, or pain when moving your jaw
- You’ve had tooth sensitivity for a while and it’s getting worse
- You have pain when chewing
Tooth pain is not something that should be ignored, as, if you do not seek treatment, the underlying cause can spread to the jaw, skull, or even your bloodstream. Often, the only cure is to make an appointment with a tooth pain relief expert in St. John, MO.
How a Dentist in St. John, MO 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. John, MO by a dentist. When you first see your dentist, they’ll likely start with a series of questions. When did the tooth pain start? What is your pain level? Where exactly is it? Does anything alleviate it or make it worse?
Next, they’ll perform an examination of your mouth to find the root cause of the pain. Their recommendation for tooth pain relief will be based on what their examination shows. Cavities and other minor and common decay and be fixed with fillings or sealants. There are numerous of periodontal treatments they may recommend if the pain is caused by gingivitis or periodontitis. 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. John, MO dentist may want to do a root canal for tooth pain relief.
The root cause can only be diagnosed in St. John, MO by a licensed dentist. If nothing seems to be working for tooth pain relief, request an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
St. John, MO Tooth Pain Relief | Plaza Dental Center
As always, prevention and care such as proper oral habits and twice-yearly cleanings and polishings is key to preventing toothaches altogether. 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 St. John, MO dentists are especially interested in patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist, as we believe meaningful tooth pain relief is something everyone in St. John, MO should have access to. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.