Webster Groves, MO

Tooth Pain Webster Groves, MO

Tooth Pain in Webster Groves, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either dull or acute, but frequently make it painful to chew, sleep at night, or concentrate on work tasks. If you’ve been experiencing continuous tooth pain it can be a sign of severe dental issues, and it’s best to visit your local Webster Groves, MO dentist as soon as possible. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.

Causes of Tooth Pain | Webster Groves, MO Dental Office

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

• Gum Disease:

  While mild forms of gum disease, such as gingivitis, generally do not lead to tooth pain, more significant types like periodontitis can cause it when the structure and bones underneath your teeth in the mouth are weakened.

• Tooth Decay, like cavities:

  The enamel in our teeth is the hard outer layer of our teeth. When it is damaged, bacteria and other substances can irritate the nerves on the inside of our teeth.

• Sensitive Teeth:

  Tooth sensitivity is typically caused by damaged enamel or receding gums, though not as seriously as with tooth decay or gum disease. In many cases, Webster Groves, MO residents with sensitive teeth will only feel tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or specific food.

• Abscessed Teeth:

  While we typically 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 occurs when there is an infection in what’s called the “pulp chamber” inside the tooth, and the infection gets to the root. In addition to tooth pain, other typical symptoms are dark or swollen gums, a buildup of puss, a salty or disagreeable taste, swollen neck glands, or swelling face.

• 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 time to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Not removing them can cause other teeth to move, lead to jaw pain, and even cause bone loss.

• Oral Cancer:

  Oral cancer is an incredibly grave dental problem, 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 immense pain. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, along with extended sun exposure, are risk factors.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:

  Also called TMJ, this refers to many different disorders that impact the joint joining the jaw to the skull. While the issues do not directly cause tooth pain, it can result in misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and issues 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 many reasons for teeth grinding, for instance:

  • 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 frustration
  • 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? | Webster Groves, MO Dental Office

When you first visit your Webster Groves, MO dentist for your tooth pain, they will discover the underlying cause of your tooth pain and recommend the ideal treatment plan. Some of the typical treatments for tooth pain are:

Fluoride Treatments

When plaque, bacteria, and sugars accumulate in the mouth, they can damage the enamel. Flouride reinforces the enamel and is effective at treating sensitive teeth, helping with teeth grinding, and is recommended for people who have a lot of cavities. Your Webster Groves, MO dentist can administer fluoride to your teeth as 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 necessary 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 Webster Groves, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are accomplished and distinguished maxillofacial surgeons that will help you feel at ease before, during, and after your surgery.

Root Canals

Root canals are generally required when the soft tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth become abscessed. Luckily, root canals are not much more complicated than a standard filling. Your Webster Groves, MO dentist will make an opening on top of the tooth, remove the infection, and fill the void with a material that disinfects the inside of the tooth. Not having a root canal for an abscessed tooth can cause the infection to move to your gums and other teeth, and could in the long run lead to you having the tooth removed.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry with your Webster Groves, MO dentist doesn’t just make your smile look great, it can help alleviate 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 straighten them out.

Preventing Tooth Pain | Webster Groves, MO Dental Office

Like the majority dental issues, tooth pain prevention usually boils down to observing good oral hygiene. Your Webster Groves, MO dentist a Plaza Dental Center recommends the following simple things you can do 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 Webster Groves, MO:

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

Tooth Pain in Webster Groves, MO | Plaza Dental Center

Most of the time, 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 a good idea to reach out to your local Webster Groves, 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 calm in the chair. If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Webster Groves, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.