All About Toothaches from Your Dentist in Park Ridge
Posted on December 15th, 2021 | Dr. Kerry Lowery
Family Dental Care in Park Ridge, IL – Toothaches and Pain Relief
Most people have experienced tooth pain at some point in their life, and while knowledge of proper dental care has certainly advanced over the years, it is not always easy to avoid toothaches and other dental issues.
Toothaches are usually quite painful and can require emergency treatment. Their causes can range from tooth impaction and infection, to small cavities. The main questions to ask when a patient is experiencing tooth pain are what is causing the pain, and how to eliminate it safely and effectively.
The first step to addressing a toothache is always to contact your dentist. Explain precisely when the pain started, where it is radiating from, how it feels (i.e. throbbing, sharp, intermittent), and if it is triggered by anything such as sugar or cold temperatures.
Often, your dentist will request that you come in for an emergency appointment, or schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If the source of the discomfort is not quickly determined with a dental examination, your dentist may conduct dental X-rays to get a better look at your teeth. Once the source of the pain is determined, treatment options can be discussed.
Common Causes
Common causes of toothaches include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cavities
- Wisdom Teeth (impaction, infection, etc.)
- Infection
- Gum Disease
- Abscess
- Impacted Food (usually stuck under the gum line)
- TMJ
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Nerve Exposure
- Harsh Brushing
Pain Relief
For minor issues such as tooth sensitivity, you can rely on at-home pain relief methods such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as sensitivity reducing toothpastes to reduce your discomfort. If you think your pain is caused by impacted food, try to remove the food with dental floss, picks, a toothbrush, or your clean finger. You may be able to reduce swelling in the area by also applying a cold compress.
In cases where you are unsure of the source of your pain, or you know a dental appointment is necessary for treatment, there are a number of procedures available to you that will help restore your dental health.
For example, cavities are repaired with fillings, or sometimes root canal therapy if the cavity is quite deep. Careful attention to your dental hygiene following treatment will help reduce your chances of developing more cavities later, as well as possible preventative treatments like dental sealants.
In cases of wisdom tooth impaction, or infection, your dentist will take the necessary precautions to prep you for tooth extraction. Extraction is common when it comes to wisdom teeth, as most people’s wisdom teeth do not ever fully erupt.
No matter the cause, tooth pain is some of the worst kind of pain a person can experience. This is why at Beyond Smiles, your local Park Ridge dentist, we always strive to put your comfort and dental health first by addressing problems immediately. Fortunately, with today’s technological advancements in the world of dentistry, there are a myriad of ways to reduce and relieve tooth pain effectively, as well as address the source of the issue, without delay.
Dental Care in Park Ridge, IL
If you or a family member are experiencing tooth pain, the dental professionals at Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge are here to help. Be sure to contact us when and if you come down with a toothache, and allow us to help you identify the root cause, and provide pain relief and quality dental treatment at our Park Ridge dental office.
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