Got a Tooth Ache? Here's What You Need to Do About It
Whether it aches constantly or only throbs sometimes, a tooth ache can't be ignored.
Why does your tooth hurt in the first place?
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Even the best emergency dentist Los Angeles won't be able to tell you until he takes a look inside your mouth. The pain you're experiencing could be due to decay, an infection, a fracture in your tooth, or even a bite that's out of alignment.
In any event, the underlying cause of your tooth ache could be causing other symptoms besides tooth pain. For example, if your tooth ache is the result of an infection, the surrounding bones and gum tissue may also start to hurt as the infection spreads. If your tooth ache is the result of an abscess, you'll likely see pus form in the surrounding gum tissue. Due to this, you could also develop a foul taste in your mouth.
What should you do once your tooth starts to hurt?
The first thing you need to do is call your dentist. (Many dentists around Los Angeles offer emergency services after-hours, so don't assume that you need to wait around until "normal business hours" to call them!)
And despite all of the Google results you see for "natural tooth ache remedies", there's nothing you can do at home to permanently fix the problem. Your tooth ache isn't going to go away on its own. The only way to eliminate the pain for good is to have your tooth evaluated and treated by an experienced dentist.
For some short-term relief, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Also, rinsing your mouth with some warm salt water may help with the pain because it will flush away any food particles that are irritating the area. You may also want to gently floss around the affected tooth, just in case there are tiny bits of food wedged in there that the water can't get rid of.
If you've developed any swelling, you can place a cold compress over the affected area for 10-20 minutes. Not only will this help to reduce the inflammation, it will also numb the area and temporarily reduce the pain.
Using an antiseptic -- either in your mouthwash or in an over-the-counter antiseptic gel that's specially made for toothaches -- can provide some temporary pain relief, too. The key is to look for the ingredient "Benzocaine". If you opt for a gel, make sure that it contains either 10% or 20% Benzocaine. (The 20% gel will work faster than its less potent counterpart.)
If you have some clove oil sitting around the house, it can work as a natural pain reliever. Simply soak a cotton ball in clove oil and gently rub it over the affected area.
What will happen once you arrive at your emergency dentist Los Angeles?
First, he'll look for any physical signs of trouble -- like redness, swelling, or injury to the tooth itself. Odds are he'll also take an x-ray, because that's the only way to see if there's significant decay inside the tooth or between two teeth. An x-ray will also show any impacted teeth that could be responsible for the pain or any problems in the bones surrounding your tooth.
Unfortunately, the one thing your x-ray WON'T show is a crack in your tooth. Cracked teeth can be very painful, but they're also tough to diagnose. They're typically not visible to the naked eye or to an x-ray machine. Instead, your dentist will ask you some questions to figure out if the pain you're experiencing is due to a crack in one of your teeth. Be prepared to tell him when the pain strikes, whether or not it ever goes away, and list anything that makes the pain worse.
The problem with tooth aches is that there are so many things that cause similar symptoms. For example, sensitivity to hot and cold foods is a symptom of a cracked tooth, a cavity, receding gums, and thinning tooth enamel. However, the exact kind of pain you're experiencing can give your dentist a vital clue as to what's wrong. Sharp pain that comes and goes is more common with cracked teeth and cavities. On the other hand, dull pain that isn't going away is more common with infections and abscesses.
Your dentist will also ask if other parts of your head are part of the problem.
If the area around your jaw hurts, the pain could be the result of a problem with your Temporomandibular Joint (known in the dental world as "TMJ"). This joint connects your jaw to your skull, and if it's not working the way it should, it can cause pain. Temporomandibular disorders can be caused by a variety of things -- including arthritis, excessive tooth grinding or clenching, a misaligned bite, or a physical injury to your jaw.
Or, if the upper teeth on both sides of your mouth hurt, a sinus infection could be to blame. If you have a sinus infection, though, you'll have other symptoms besides a tooth ache - like a runny nose and tenderness in your sinus cavities.
What happens once your dentist knows what's causing your tooth ache?
He can come up with a treatment plan that offers permanent relief!
If an infection is to blame, a dose of antibiotics and pain killers might be enough to eliminate the problem. What if a cracked tooth is the culprit? You might need your tooth bonded, or you might need to get a dental crown. If a cavity is to blame, a filling will take care of the pain.
Not all tooth aches can be solved this easily, though. If you've developed a severe infection, your dentist may have to perform a root canal. If the infection has made it deep into your tooth, your dentist may have to remove your tooth's nerve. This procedure would be a root canal procedure. If your tooth isn't strong enough to stand on its own after the root canal, you may need a crown installed for a permanent support boost.
If your tooth is damaged severely enough, your dentist may have no choice but to extract it. Severe damage may be from an infection or from some sort of physical trauma. Tooth extraction is always a last resort, but sometimes it's the only thing that will make the pain go away.
Is there anything you can do to prevent a tooth ache in the first place?
Yes!
For starters, maintain a good brushing and flossing regimen. Doing so will prevent your teeth from decaying, which in turn, will lower your chances of developing a tooth ache.
Also, see your dentist for regular checkups -- not just emergency visits when things go wrong! Not only can your dentist help fight decay, he can also monitor your teeth for any minor changes. It is important to spot dental issues soon. If caught soon enough, your dentist can help you avoid a painful tooth ache.