Living with pain can diminish your supply of energy and make life miserable, especially when it is a toothache. The dental team at Shadle Smiles understands the agony of this type of pain. We are committed to eliminating your toothache as quickly as possible while expertly addressing the cause.
Toothaches can have a variety of sources. Most common is the toothache caused by dental decay. When tooth decay reaches the softer inner layers of the tooth, changes in temperature, certain foods or beverages, sweets and sometimes pressure can cause pain. The closer the decay moves to the nerve center of the tooth, the more likely you are to experience discomfort or pain. Cleaning out the decay and filling the tooth are usually enough to eliminate the pain. If the tooth has decayed to the point that the pulp has become infected, root canal therapy may be required to save the tooth and stop the pain.
Toothache can also result from a cracked or damaged tooth. Repairing the damage should stop the pain. When a tooth is cracked and the crack extends below the gum line, the tooth may need to be removed.
Gum recession, which exposes the root of a tooth, can also cause tooth pain. The exposure of the root makes the tooth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages. It also increases the opportunity for decay to develop. Treating the gum will help protect the tooth and stop the pain.
Tooth sensitivity is another cause of toothache. This condition also has a variety of causes. A leaking filling can make a tooth sensitive in the same way a cavity would. Enamel erosion is another reason a tooth can become sensitive. This can occur with aggressive brushing with a stiff bristled toothbrush. Enamel erosion can also result from bruxism. A night guard can stop the teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
If your teeth are sensitive, a desensitizing toothpaste may be recommended to help stop the pain. Sensitivity triggers are blocked with the special ingredients in these types of toothpaste. They also help strengthen the tooth enamel.
Treatment for Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is most often caused by a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Extra stress on the joint due to teeth grinding or clenching the teeth can lead to pain in the jaw, face, neck and shoulder. You may also hear a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth. Treating jaw pain caused by TMJ/TMD depends on the source of the problem. Misaligned teeth and trauma to the joint can also cause pain.
Thorough examination and testing can reveal the cause. If bruxism and clenching are the source of the problem, a night guard, a special appliance used while sleeping, will keep your teeth from grinding and clenching. Over-the-counter pain medications may be suggested and/or targeted exercises may also be recommended to help alleviate the pain.
When you experience pain in your jaw or have a toothache, do not hesitate to contact Shadle Smiles and schedule an appointment with us. Our priority is your oral health, so contact us today, and we will address your problem and eliminate your pain.
