Tooth Pain Bel-Nor, MO
Tooth Pain in Bel-Nor, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either throbbing or sharp, but frequently make it painful to eat, sleep at night, or concentrate on work tasks. If you’ve been suffering from continuous tooth pain it can be an indication of serious dental issues, and it’s a good idea to visit your local Bel-Nor, MO dentist as soon as you can. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.
Causes of Tooth Pain | Bel-Nor, MO Dental Office
Tooth pain comes about when the nerves in the roots of a tooth or surrounding the tooth become aggravated. There are myriad ways that can happen. Some of the most frequent instances our Bel-Nor, MO dental office sees are:
- Gum Disease:
While mild forms of gum disease, for instance gingivitis, frequently do not lead to tooth pain, more serious types like periodontitis can lead to tooth pain when the underlying structure and bones in the mouth are weakened.
- Tooth Decay, for instance cavities:
The enamel in our teeth is the hard outer layer of our teeth. When it wears down, bacteria and other things can aggravate the nerves on the inside of our teeth.
- Sensitive Teeth:
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by injured enamel or receding gums, though not as significantly as with tooth decay or gum disease. Frequently, Bel-Nor, MO residents with sensitive teeth will only feel tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or specific food.
- Abscessed Teeth:
While we usually think of teeth as firm, the insides of a tooth are actually made of soft tissue and blood vessels, which can suffer from infections. An abscessed tooth occurs when there is an infection in what’s called the “pulp chamber” inside the tooth, and the infection gets to the root. Along with tooth pain, other typical symptoms are red or inflamed gums, a buildup of puss, a salty or displeasing taste, swollen neck glands, or swelling jaw.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
If you have not gotten your wisdom teeth removed and are feeling pain in the back and bottom molar area, it’s likely advisable to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Not extracting them can cause other teeth to shift position, cause jaw pain, and even lead to bone loss.
- Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer is an incredibly severe dental condition, but fortunately it is very treatable. It can be a growth or sore inside the throat or mouth and can cause immense pain. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, along with extended sun exposure, are risk factors.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:
Also called TMJ, this refers to a multitude of issues that impact the joint joining the jaw to the skull. While the conditions do not directly lead to tooth pain, it can cause misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and problems with the mastication muscles, which can all result in tooth pain.
- Teeth Grinding:
Also called bruxism, is a frequent cause of tooth pain. There can be numerous reasons why you grind your teeth, for instance:
- Certain foods, such as caffeine, sodas, coffee, or chocolate
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Chewing on pencils, or anything else that is not food
- Anxiety or anger
- Certain medications
- Misaligned teeth
Treatment for teeth grinding commonly includes fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel, fillings, or dental crowns.
How is Tooth Pain Treated? | Bel-Nor, MO Dental Office
When you first visit your Bel-Nor, MO dentist for your tooth pain, they will diagnose the underlying condition causing your tooth pain and come up with the best treatment plan. Some of the common treatments for tooth pain are:
Fluoride Treatments
When plaque, bacteria, and sugars pile up in the mouth, they can weaken the enamel. Flouride protects the enamel and is effective at treating sensitive teeth, protecting against teeth grinding, and is advised for people who get a lot of cavities. Your Bel-Nor, MO dentist can apply fluoride to your teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. A fluoride treatment by a professional Bel-Nor, MO dentist is much more effective than fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.
Oral Surgery
Also called maxillofacial surgery, is necessary in more severe cases. Surgery can be used to:
- Remove cysts, growths, or tumors that cause pain
- Treat TMJ
- Remove impacted wisdom teeth or infected teeth
- Treatment of periodontitis
The Bel-Nor, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are talented and distinguished maxillofacial surgeons that will help you feel comfortable before, during, and after your surgery.
Root Canals
Root canals are usually needed when the soft tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth become infected. Luckily, root canals are not much more intricate than a common filling. Your Bel-Nor, MO dentist will make an opening on top of the tooth, remove the infection, and fill the void with a substance that disinfects the area. Not having a root canal for an infected tooth can cause the infection to spread to your gums and other teeth, and might ultimately result in you having the tooth removed.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry with your Bel-Nor, MO dentist doesn’t just enhance your smile, it can help ease tooth pain. Dental bonding and dental crowns can help fix protect damaged teeth that are causing you pain. If you’re suffering from tooth pain due to misaligned teeth, Invisalign® can help make them straight.
Preventing Tooth Pain | Bel-Nor, MO Dental Office
Like almost all dental problems, tooth pain prevention generally boils down to practicing proper oral hygiene. Your Bel-Nor, MO dentist a Plaza Dental Center recommends the following simple things you can do to protect your oral health:
- Brushing and flossing
- Biannual dental examinations
- Cleanings and polishing
- Having cavities filled promptly
- Using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash
Check out the links below to see some of the other services we offer in Bel-Nor, MO:
- Dental Emergency
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Tooth Pain in Bel-Nor, MO | Plaza Dental Center
Most of the time, we don’t notice our teeth when they’re healthy. If you’re experiencing continual tooth pain, or have tooth pain accompanied by a fever, it’s best to get in touch with your local Bel-Nor, MO dentist at Plaza Dental Center for an appointment immediately. In addition to oral health, we strongly believe in patient education and making our patients relaxed in the chair. If you’re suffering from tooth pain in Bel-Nor, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.