Do you have a toothache? Dental pain is not anything you should ignore. Call us today at 248-541-1388 and schedule your next appointment. If this is an emergency, our dentists will see you if you can get here during our business hours. That toothache could be a sign of something serious. Thankfully, our dentists have the training and tools necessary to relieve that toothache and keep your teeth healthy.
Common Causes Of Toothaches
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that there’s a problem. However, the exact problem depends on what’s causing the pain. Here are five common causes of toothaches.
1. Cavities
Inside every tooth is dental pulp. This is home to all the blood vessels and nerve endings for the tooth. That’s why you can chew and not feel any pain — the nerves cannot be reached through the tough enamel. A cavity is a spot where harmful bacteria have eroded the enamel. It’s a thin spot. That means pressure from chewing can sometimes reach the nerves, triggering a toothache.
2. Damage such as chips, cracks, or fractures
A cavity is not the only way to get a thin spot in your enamel. If your teeth get damaged with a chip or crack in the enamel, it can be easier for pressure to reach those nerves. Anything powerful enough to damage enamel can also cause damage to the dental pulp. This can trigger toothaches as well.
3. Infected (or abscessed) tooth
Cavities are caused by harmful bacteria. If a cavity gets deep enough, or if you get a crack or fracture in a tooth, they can slip into your dental pulp. As this infection spreads, it can trigger the nerve endings there and create a strong toothache. Abscessed teeth can hurt constantly or intermittently.
4. Damaged fillings or restorations
Cavities can be repaired using dental fillings, inlays, onlays, and even dental crowns if it gets too big. All these dental restorations work by protecting the cavity with a durable “shield”. If your filling gets damaged from trauma or neglect, it could start to come off. Such damaged fillings can let pressure and bacteria get into
5. Bruxism
Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth unconsciously. Stress is a big factor in this, as is TMJ disorder. The end result, though, is that you damage your enamel. Your teeth are not supposed to grind together that much, so bruxism can create worn spots that lead to toothaches.
Treating Toothaches At Our Royal Oak, MI Dental Office
Toothaches are more than just annoying. They’re a sign that something could be very wrong with your teeth. That’s why you need to call us at 248-541-1388 today. Waiting only keeps you in pain longer.
The exact restorative dentistry treatment you need depends on your individual case, but here are several that can normally be used to relieve your toothache.
– Tooth-colored dental filling, inlay, or onlay.
The damage caused by harmful bacteria can be repaired with restorative dentistry. Dental fillings fill in that cavity, whereas inlays and onlays seal up the cavity. All of these add a strong layer of protection right where your tooth needs it. Repairing a cavity can often end a toothache. Dr. Duffield and Dr. Grewal both have years of experience treating cavities. They know when fillings, inlays, or onlays can relieve your toothache.
– Dental crown
Damage like chips, cracks, and fractures are often too big or unwieldy for fillings, inlays, or onlays. Plus, cavities can sometimes grow so big that those treatments will not work anymore. That’s when you can get a dental crown. This natural-looking cap is placed over your damaged tooth. It seals up damaged enamel, helping end any toothaches caused by pressure.
– Root canal
If the problem is found in your dental pulp, fillings and dental crowns won’t help. That’s when you need a root canal. Don’t worry, root canals are no more painful than getting a filling. Even better, root canals can remove infected or damaged dental pulp. This should alleviate the toothache. Our dentists are experienced in using root canals, helping ensure yours will be comfortable and successful.
Call us TODAY at 248-541-1388 or send us a message online and make your next appointment to get rid of that toothache. There are several causes of toothaches, but Dr. Duffield and Dr. Grewal have the right mix of advanced training and practical experience. With their help, you can soon be living pain-free once again.