THERE ARE MANY CAUSES BEHIND TOOTH PAIN
Very few experiences are as uncomfortable as suffering from tooth pain. That suffering can be multiplied when you don’t understand what’s causing your toothache. Not all toothaches are the same, particularly because they can originate from many different causes. The position of your pain and the amount of your discomfort can help your dentist in Cary, NC to zero in on the cause of your tooth pain, which will enable him or her to determine the optimal way to treat it. The experienced dental practitioners at DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads see tooth pain every day. We offer fast, cutting-edge treatments to eliminate your symptoms and increase your oral health. We have put together a list of everyday reasons behind tooth pain and how it should be treated:
- MISALIGNED OR IMPACTED TEETH
Aches and discomfort in the teeth may happen when teeth are crooked, which can cause them to squeeze against one another. Teeth that are impacted will sometimes also result in oral discomfort. To eliminate this pain, your dental practitioner in Cary, NC may suggest an orthodontic treatment to adjust the alignment of your teeth or an extraction to remove an impacted tooth. Hopefully, you’re seeing your dentist at least two times a year for cleanings and oral health exams to make sure they catch issues like impacted teeth or significant misalignment early, before you are in too much pain.
- ORTHODONTIC DEVICES
Soreness in the mouth and aching teeth are frequently caused by orthodontic devices, such as braces and retainers that encourage tooth alignment. The discomfort is commonly most noticeable shortly after standard adjustments to the arch wire or when you move to a fresh set of aligners. Any soreness generally goes away within a couple of days. Non-prescription analgesics can help as well, if needed. If the pain continues or becomes especially uncomfortable, get in touch with your orthodontist or dentist to discuss whether it is possible to readjust the dental appliance.
- TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY
Having nerve pain while eating or drinking something that is hot or cold is known as tooth sensitivity. While most people may have slight tooth sensitivity sometimes, if it is a frequent difficulty or is causing severe tooth pain, it can be a symptom of a worse underlying problem. Typically, tooth sensitivity is caused by an infection in the tooth, an abscess, or gum disease. Once your dentist determines the cause of your tooth sensitivity, they can tell you your treatment recommendations. When you have only slight or occasional tooth sensitivity, you probably need to try a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth.
- CHRONIC TEETH GRINDING
Bruxism, more commonly called teeth grinding, can trigger discomfort in your teeth, jaw, and neck, in addition to other surrounding muscles. Individuals in Cary, NC who grind their teeth typically do it while they are asleep or in times of stress. Bruxism happens with the jaws firmly squeezed together, so the top and bottom teeth are crushed against one another, which may lead to pain, chips and fractures, worn-down teeth, and migraines. Wearing a specially designed night guard when sleeping is one of the best options to reduce the effects of bruxism on the teeth and jaw.
- ABSCESSED TOOTH
Beyond disturbing the interior of the tooth, neglected decay may also reach the neighboring gum tissue. Known as an abscess, this may result in a pulsating pain within your tooth. The pervasive nature of this pain can make it tough to deduce which tooth is the cause. If you believe you may have an abscessed tooth, it is crucial that you talk to a dentist in Cary, NC soon. Delaying treatment may result in the loss of the tooth, as well as regions of your gums and jawbone.
- BRUSHING AND FLOSSING TOO AGGRESSIVELY
Remarkably, the majority of men and women are too rough while brushing and flossing their pearly whites. This extra aggression can inflame the gums and cause them to bleed very easily. At some point, the gums will recede, which also creates pain and makes your teeth loose. At DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads, our dental staff will ensure you understand proper brushing methods with a soft-bristled toothbrush to decrease your chances of sore gums and teeth.
- DAMAGED RESTORATIONS
Non-custom or damaged restorations might cause fairly disruptive toothaches. Patients who have a crown, bridge, or dentures should be visiting their dentist in Cary, NC at least twice per year to have the wear and fit of the restoration looked over. Men and women who are dealing with pain in or close to the restoration are urged to set up an appointment with their dental practitioner. An infection or other problem might have developed because of the restoration, which will need to be managed to restore oral health.
- PERIODONTAL DISEASE
A persistent pain in your teeth and bleeding gums can often be signs of periodontal (gum) disease. At the point you start to develop tooth pain, you are most likely in the latest stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. To eliminate infection, gum surgery is generally performed to open and debride the gum pockets. A form of antibiotics will also likely be prescribed to tackle any lingering bacteria.
- CRACKED TEETH
Chipping a tooth isn’t uncommon. A tooth could be chipped or cracked playing sports, eating something hard (such as peanut brittle), during an accident, and perhaps by bruxism. If severe pain is present, that is a sure indication that a fracture has wended its way to the tooth’s core, where the nerves live. Many times, however, the pain may be delayed, only to become noticeable long after the event occurred, once the damage has spread. That is why it is necessary to have tooth chips and fractures dealt with by your dentist in Cary, NC right away.
- TOOTH DECAY
One of the most ubiquitouss reasons for an aching tooth is decay. When not treated properly, a pit in the enamel of your tooth can eventually reach the soft inner pulp. After air and other irritants get to the nerves within your tooth, you might begin to feel pain and temperature sensitivity. Depending on the degree of decay involved, you might need a filling or root canal to deal with the compromised tissue and salvage the tooth.
YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE ORAL PAIN
Beyond being particularly painful, toothaches can also be inconvenient. Nevertheless, putting off treatment is generally not the best idea, as it can result in even bigger, more concering dental issues over time. At the initial symptom of tooth pain, we urge you to speak with DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads and schedule a comprehensive exam at our office. Our skilled dental professionals are devoted to helping patients in Cary, NC attain their healthiest, most confident smiles.
