Toothache — an agonising experience can be identified by acute pain that can radiate to the jaw and thereafter to the head. This radiation of the pain happens because the nerves of these areas are intimately linked. Tooth pain can originate from various teeth or gum problems, and these problems can vary from minor annoyance to conditions which require emergency treatment. Finding the underlying cause can be beneficial in choosing the precise home relief, thereby deciding when dental treatment is needed.
Let’s find out the various causes of toothache and also the remedies which will help ease the symptoms; thereafter, we will look for the treatments that will address the root cause of the condition.
The underlying causes of toothache
A toothache can stem from various dental and gum issues. Every cause has its own triggers as well as types of pain. In a few cases, the pains are sharp and sudden, whereas in other cases, the pain is dull and persistent. It can spread to the surrounding areas, such as the jaw, ear or head, as well. The most common causes of toothache are —
- Periodontal disease — Also known as gum disease, it involves both gingivitis and periodontitis, which can arise from the buildup of plaque along the gum line. Inflammation leads to swelling, tenderness, and redness of the gums, which can further lead to bleeding while brushing. With the progress of the condition, the gums can shrink and expose the root of the tooth, thereby making it much more sensitive and vulnerable.
- Tooth decay and cavities — It occurs when dental bacteria feed on the food particles, thereby producing various acids that wash out the enamel. As the enamel becomes fragile, cavities are formed. If left untreated, this decaying of the tooth can even reach the dentin and also the pulp, thereby causing intense pain that can worsen over time.
- Chipped or broken tooth — The Tooth can be cracked or chipped because of biting on hard objects or sometimes, due to trauma or even grinding. Even the tiny cracks can uncover the inner layers of the tooth, which are very sensitive. This can further lead to discomfort and pain while chewing food or even when the tooth is exposed to various temperature changes.
Many other dental issues, like dental abscess, worn or damaged dental work, tooth sensitivity, etc., can cause much discomfort and pain, which is sometimes unbearable. Ignoring the symptoms can make the pain worse, and it can even lead to loss of a tooth. Also, in many cases, infection can spread to other parts of the body as well.
Dental treatments
The treatment depends on the underlying issue and cause behind the pain, which will be checked and decided by the dentist. The best approach will be considered, keeping in mind the root cause of the problem. After potential examinations and X-rays, the dentist will suggest the treatment which would prove to be beneficial in treating your problem.
- Filling cavities — The dentist removes the broken or cavity when the tooth decay is causing severe pain. In order to stop that decay from spreading to the other parts of the body, the cavity is cleaned and filled with dental materials like composite resin to restore the shape and functioning of the tooth. It helps in stopping further ruin and also helps in relieving discomfort and pain, thereby protecting the inner layers of the tooth, which are very sensitive.
- Root Canal Treatment (RCT) — If the infection caused by the decay of the tooth reaches the pulp of the tooth, then root canal treatment becomes necessary, as the pulp contains the blood vessels as well as the nerves. During the procedure of the root canal treatment, the pulp, which is infected or damaged, is removed very carefully. The canals, which are inside the tooth, are then cleaned and also disinfected, and later on sealed. This saves the tooth from being extracted, thereby relieving the person of the pain.
Conclusion
Many treatments, such as abscess drainage and antibiotics, repairing of the cracks and damage, tooth extraction and treatment of the gum disease, etc., are recommended by the dentist depending on the underlying cause of the pain. It is important for you to have regular dental visits in order to catch the problems early, before the pain becomes severe. Smile Zone Dental Speciality Centre serves to be the best dental clinic where the patient’s pain is considered foremost to be treated as early as possible. It is our priority to relieve you of the pain and give you happy smiles ahead.