Bridgeton, MO

Tooth Pain Bridgeton, MO

Tooth Pain in Bridgeton, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either dull or sharp, but always make it painful to eat, sleep well, or concentrate on work tasks. If you’ve been dealing with continuous tooth pain it can be a sign of severe dental issues, and it’s a good idea to visit your local Bridgeton, 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 | Bridgeton, MO Dental Office

Tooth pain happens when the nerves in the roots of a tooth or around the tooth become aggravated. There are a variety of ways that can happen. Some of the most common causes our Bridgeton, MO dental office sees are:

• Gum Disease:

  While mild forms of gum disease, for instance gingivitis, frequently do not cause 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 example cavities:

  Our tooth enamel is the tough outer layer of our teeth. When it is damaged, bacteria and other things can aggravate the nerves on the inside of our teeth.

• Sensitive Teeth:

  Tooth sensitivity is generally caused by damaged enamel or receding gums, though not as badly as with tooth decay or gum disease. In many cases, people with sensitive teeth will only experience tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or certain food.

• Abscessed Teeth:

  While we conventionally think of teeth as firm, the insides of a tooth are in fact made of soft tissue and blood vessels, which can become infected. An abscessed tooth arises when there is an infection in what’s called the “pulp chamber” on the interior of the tooth, and the infection gets to the root. Along with tooth pain, symptoms can include red or inflamed gums, a buildup of puss, a salty or unpleasant 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 probably advisable to have 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 a very grave dental condition, but fortunately it is easy to treat. It can manifest itself as a growth or sore in the lips, gum, tongue, cheeks, or throat, and can cause immense pain. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, along with extended sun exposure, are risk factors.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:

  Also referred to as TMJ, this encompasses a number of problems that impact the joint joining the jaw to the skull. While the conditions do not directly cause tooth pain, it can cause misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and issues with the mastication muscles, which can all cause tooth pain.

• Teeth Grinding:

  Also knows as bruxism, is a frequent cause of tooth pain. There can be a lot of reasons for teeth grinding, such as:

  • Certain foods, such as caffeine, sodas, coffee, or chocolate
  • Alcohol and tobacco use
  • Chewing on pencils, or anything else that is not food
  • Stress or frustration
  • Some medications
  • Misaligned teeth

  Treatment for teeth grinding can include fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel, fillings, or dental crowns.

How is Tooth Pain Treated? | Bridgeton, MO Dental Office

When you initially visit your Bridgeton, MO dentist for your tooth pain, they will identify the underlying condition causing your tooth pain and recommend the best method of treatment. Some of the common treatments for tooth pain are:

Fluoride Treatments

When plaque, bacteria, and sugars collect in the mouth, they can weaken the enamel. Flouride protects the enamel and is effective at treating sensitive teeth, helping with teeth grinding, and is advised for people who have a lot of cavities. Your Bridgeton, MO dentist can administer fluoride to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. A fluoride treatment by a professional Bridgeton, MO dentist is much more successful than fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.

Oral Surgery

Technically referred to maxillofacial surgery, is required in more severe cases. Surgery can be used to:

• Remove cysts, growths, or tumors that cause pain
• Treat temporomandibular joint disorder
• Remove impacted wisdom teeth or infected teeth
• Treatment of severe gum disease

The Bridgeton, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are talented and distinguished oral surgeons that will help you feel at ease before, during, and after your surgery.

Root Canals

Root canals are typically required when the soft tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth become abscessed. Luckily, root canals are not much more intricate than a common filling. Your Bridgeton, MO dentist will make an opening at the top of the tooth, remove the soft tissue, and fill the empty space with a substance that sanitize the area. Not having a root canal for an infected tooth can lead to the infection to move to your gums and other teeth, and may eventually cause you having the tooth removed.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry with your Bridgeton, MO dentist doesn’t just make your smile look great, it can help relieve tooth pain. Dental bonding and dental crowns can help fix cover damaged teeth that are causing you pain. If you’re undergoing tooth pain owing to misaligned teeth, Invisalign® can help straighten them out.

Preventing Tooth Pain | Bridgeton, MO Dental Office

Like most dental issues, tooth pain prevention usually boils down to observing good oral hygiene. Your Bridgeton, MO dentist a Plaza Dental Center recommends the following simple steps you can take to protect your oral health:

• Brushing and flossing
• Regular dental examinations
• Cleanings and polishing
• Having cavities filled quickly
• Using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash

Check out the links below to see some of the other services we offer in Bridgeton, MO:

• Dental Emergency
• Gum Contouring
• Broken Tooth Repair
• Invisalign®
• Tooth Pain Relief
• Periodontal Treatment
• Composite Fillings
• Gingivitis Treatment
• Dentist Near Me

Tooth Pain in Bridgeton, MO | Plaza Dental Center

Most of the time, we don’t notice our teeth when they’re healthy. If you’re experiencing ongoing tooth pain, or have a fever along with your tooth pain, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your local Bridgeton, 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 at ease in the chair. If you’re suffering from tooth pain in Bridgeton, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.