Tooth Pain Ferguson, MO
Tooth Pain in Ferguson, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either throbbing or sharp, but can make it painful to eat, sleep well, or concentrate on basic tasks. If you’ve been dealing with continuous tooth pain it can be a symptom of severe dental problems, and it’s advisable to visit your local Ferguson, MO dentist as soon as possible. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.
Causes of Tooth Pain | Ferguson, MO Dental Office
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in the roots of a tooth or bordering the tooth become aggravated. There are a variety of ways that can happen. Some of the most common instances our Ferguson, MO dental office sees are:
- Gum Disease:
While mild forms of gum disease, for instance gingivitis, generally do not lead to tooth pain, more severe forms like periodontitis can lead to tooth pain when the underlying structure and bones in the mouth are weakened.
- Tooth Decay, for instance cavities:
Our tooth enamel is the firm outer layer of our teeth. When it wears down, bacteria and other things can irritate the nerves on the inside of our teeth.
- Sensitive Teeth:
Tooth sensitivity is generally caused by damaged enamel or receding gums, though not as severely as with tooth decay or gum disease. Often, people with sensitive teeth will only experience tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or specific food.
- Abscessed Teeth:
While we usually think of teeth as firm, the core of a tooth is actually made of soft tissue and blood vessels, which can suffer from infections. An abscessed tooth arises 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, symptoms can include dark or inflamed gums, a buildup of puss, a salty or displeasing taste, swollen neck glands, or swelling jaw.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
If you still have your wisdom teeth and are feeling pain in the back and bottom molar area, it’s probably advisable to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Not extracting them can cause other teeth to shift position, lead to jaw pain, and even lead to bone loss.
- Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer is an incredibly serious dental issue, but luckily it is highly treatable. It can show up as a growth or sore in the lips, gum, tongue, cheeks, or throat, and can cause substantial pain. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, along with prolonged sun exposure, are risk factors.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:
Commonly called TMJ, this refers to numerous issues that impact the joint joining the jaw to the skull. While the disorders do not directly result in tooth pain, it can cause misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and issues with the mastication muscles, which can all cause tooth pain.
- Teeth Grinding:
Also called bruxism, is a common cause of tooth pain. There can be many reasons for teeth grinding, including:
- Some foods, such as caffeine, sodas, coffee, or chocolate
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Chewing on pencils, or anything else that is not food
- Stress 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? | Ferguson, MO Dental Office
When you initially see your Ferguson, MO dentist for your tooth pain, they will identify the underlying condition causing your tooth pain and suggest the ideal treatment plan. Some of the common treatments for tooth pain are:
Fluoride Treatments
When plaque, bacteria, and sugars pile up on your teeth, they can damage the enamel. Flouride protects the enamel and is effective at helping sensitive teeth, helping with teeth grinding, and is recommended for people who get a lot of cavities. Your Ferguson, MO dentist can administer fluoride to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. A professional fluoride treatment is much more successful than fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.
Oral Surgery
Also called maxillofacial surgery, is needed in more significant 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 Ferguson, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are talented and distinguished maxillofacial surgeons that will help you feel calm before, during, and after your surgery.
Root Canals
Root canals are generally needed when the soft tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth become abscessed. Fortunately, root canals are not much more intricate than a standard filling. Your Ferguson, MO dentist will make an opening on the crown of the tooth, remove the infection, and fill the void with a material that sanitize the inside of the tooth. Not getting a root canal for an abscessed tooth can cause the infection to grow to your gums and other teeth, and might in the long run lead to you having the tooth removed.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry with your Ferguson, MO dentist doesn’t just make your smile look great, it can help alleviate tooth pain. Dental bonding and dental crowns can help repair protect damaged teeth that are causing you pain. If you’re undergoing tooth pain owing to misaligned teeth, Invisalign® can help make them straight.
Preventing Tooth Pain | Ferguson, MO Dental Office
Like nearly all dental issues, tooth pain prevention generally boils down to observing good oral hygiene. Your Ferguson, MO dentist a Plaza Dental Center recommends the following simple steps you can take to protect your teeth and mouth:
- Brushing and flossing
- Twice yearly 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 Ferguson, MO:
- Dental Emergency
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Tooth Pain in Ferguson, MO | Plaza Dental Center
A lot of times, we don’t notice our teeth when they’re healthy. If you’re experiencing chronic tooth pain, or have tooth pain accompanied by a fever, it’s advisable to speak with your local Ferguson, MO dentist at Plaza Dental Center for an appointment right away. 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 Ferguson, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.