Kirkwood, MO

Tooth Pain Kirkwood, MO

Tooth Pain in Kirkwood, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either dull or acute, but frequently make it difficult to eat, sleep well, or concentrate on work tasks. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing tooth pain it can be an indication of serious dental problems, and it’s a good idea to visit your local Kirkwood, 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 | Kirkwood, MO Dental Office

Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in the roots of a tooth or bordering the tooth become aggravated. There are numerous ways that can happen. Some of the most common causes our Kirkwood, MO dental office sees are:

• Gum Disease:

  While mild forms of gum disease, like gingivitis, usually do not cause tooth pain, more severe forms like periodontitis can cause it when the underlying structure and bones in the mouth are weakened.

• Tooth Decay, like cavities:

  The enamel in our teeth is the hard 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 typically caused by injured enamel or receding gums, though not as significantly as with tooth decay or gum disease. In many cases, people with sensitive teeth will only feel tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or certain food.

• Abscessed Teeth:

  While we conventionally think of teeth as hard, the insides of a tooth are actually made of soft tissue and blood vessels, which can become infected. An abscessed tooth arises when there is an infection in what’s referred to as the “pulp chamber” on the interior of the tooth, and the infection reaches the root. Along with tooth pain, other common symptoms are red or swollen gums, a buildup of puss, a salty or disagreeable taste, swollen neck glands, or swelling jaw.

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

  If you still have your wisdom teeth and are experiencing pain in the back and bottom molar area, it’s probably a good idea to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Failing to extract them can cause other teeth to move, cause jaw pain, and even lead to bone loss.

• Oral Cancer:

  Oral cancer is a very severe dental condition, but the good news is that it’s it is easy to treat. It can reveal itself as a growth or sore in the lips, gum, tongue, cheeks, or throat, and can cause tremendous pain. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, along with extended sun exposure, are risk factors.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:

  Commonly referred to as TMJ, this refers to a multitude of issues that affect the joint joining the jaw to the skull. While the problems do not directly cause tooth pain, it can lead to misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and problems with the mastication muscles, which can all cause tooth pain.

• Teeth Grinding:

  Also called bruxism, is a frequent cause of tooth pain. There can be a lot of reasons why you grind your teeth, for example:

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

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

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

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

Fluoride Treatments

When plaque, bacteria, and sugars accumulate on your teeth, they can damage the enamel. Flouride reinforces the enamel and is effective at alleviating sensitive teeth, helping with teeth grinding, and is advised for people with frequent cavities. Your Kirkwood, 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

Technically called maxillofacial surgery, is needed in more significant 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 Kirkwood, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are accomplished and distinguished maxillofacial surgeons that will help you feel comfortable 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 standard filling. Your Kirkwood, MO dentist will make an opening at the top of the tooth, remove the soft tissue, and fill the void with a substance that disinfects the inside of the tooth. Not getting a root canal for an abscessed tooth can result in the infection to spread to your gums and other teeth, and could ultimately lead to you having the tooth removed.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry with your Kirkwood, MO dentist doesn’t just make your smile look great, it can help relieve tooth pain. Dental bonding and dental crowns can help repair cover damaged teeth that are causing you pain. If you’re suffering from tooth pain because of misaligned teeth, Invisalign® can help make them straight.

Preventing Tooth Pain | Kirkwood, MO Dental Office

Like the majority dental issues, tooth pain prevention generally comes down to practicing proper oral hygiene. Your Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO:

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

Tooth Pain in Kirkwood, MO | Plaza Dental Center

Most of the time, we don’t think about our teeth when they’re healthy. If you’re suffering from chronic tooth pain, or have tooth pain accompanied by a fever, it’s best to get in touch with your local Kirkwood, MO dentist at Plaza Dental Center for an appointment immediately. In addition to oral health, we prioritize patient education and making our patients calm in the chair. If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Kirkwood, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.