How a General Dentistry Addresses Tooth Pain

Most people experience tooth pain at some point in their lives and turn to a general dentistry team for assistance. Unfortunately, whether the pain is sharp or dull and throbbing, it is not likely to pass on its own and usually becomes worse when ignored. No matter the cause, visiting a dentist is usually the most effective way to manage this pain, and dentists have various treatment options to rectify it.

What causes tooth pain?

When tooth pain occurs, it can happen for a variety of reasons. Patients may know the cause, such as a sports injury, but it could stem from other reasons, including:

• Tooth decay
• An abscess
• A tooth fracture
• Gum disease

Impacted wisdom teeth or those that grow crooked may also cause pain and pressure sensations. A general dentistry clinic can examine and treat their patients with various options when patients cannot be sure where the source of the pain lies.

Inserting fillings

Tooth pain may be due to a cavity. When teeth decay due to inconsistent or poor dental hygiene, the pulp dissolves and leaves behind cavities, some of which may affect the roots and cause pain. Dentists can fill these cavities with various materials, including gold, silver amalgam, porcelain, or composite blends. Depending on the severity of the cavity, it may take more than one visit to set a filling.

Curing infection

When bacteria collects in a cavity or other compromised area of a tooth, it can cause infection, redness around the gums in that area, and pain. A general dentistry team can clean out the infected area and prescribe antibiotics that prevent the infection from returning. However, infections that affect the nerves or inner tooth pulp can be quite painful and must be completely cured before dentists take further steps to heal the rest of the tooth, such as with a filling.

Extracting teeth

Most dentists will consider extraction as a last resort, as today's dental technology provides them with a number of options for saving damaged teeth. However, those badly fractured or decayed may require extraction, especially if they begin to affect the surrounding teeth and gums. X-rays and a thorough exam of the tooth can let dentists know if there are any other options before they decide to pull it.

Impacted teeth may also cause pain when they fail to break through the gums. When this occurs, the teeth may decay underneath the gum tissue. Impaction is most common when wisdom teeth attempt to erupt when people reach their late teens or early 20s, and when these teeth fail to grow, extraction is usually the most effective method for rectifying the pain they cause.