Suffering From a Toothache in Bentonville, AR?
Are you suffering from a toothache in Bentonville, AR and unsure of what to do about it? Well Dr. Dale Remerscheid is here to take a look at what causes a toothache, and what you should do about it!
What causes a toothache?
A toothache is a pain in or around the tooth that can be caused by a few different factors including:
- Tooth decay
- Damaged or fractured tooth
- Abscessed tooth
- Damaged filling
- Infection in the gums
- Damage to tooth enamel causing sensitivity
Symptoms of tooth decay don’t usually surface until there is a cavity present in the tooth. So if you’re worried that your toothache might be a cavity, then it is probably time to see the dentist. Other infections and diseases generally affect other parts of the mouth and can cause redness or swelling in the gums and surrounding tissues. If there is abnormal bleeding of the gums while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods, or the gums are pulling away from the teeth, then you should schedule an appointment with your dentist or endodontist immediately.
When to see the dentist
We typically recommend scheduling a visit with your dentist if the following occur:
- A toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- Abnormal bleeding of the surrounding tissues
- Other symptoms of infection such as fever, earaches, pain in the jaw
If you’re having severe pain in your tooth or mouth, abnormal bleeding or any other signs of infection, you should make an appointment immediately to see your dentist. Signs of infection should be taken seriously and treated to prevent further spreading.
What treatment can I expect for my toothache?
Treatments will vary depending on what is causing your toothache. For tooth decay (or cavity) your dentist may want to take some X-rays of your tooth and mouth. If there is in fact a cavity in the tooth, your dentist will probably want to fill that cavity. Do not delay making an appointment if you believe you have a cavity! The longer you delay the treatment, the worse your cavity could get. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction for extremely decayed teeth. It can also be important to make an immediate appointment if you already have a dental filling in that tooth. Poorly performed fillings or further erosion, can cause bacteria to get trapped under or around your current filling.
In some cases a root canal may be needed if the cause of the infection is determined to stem from the tooth’s nerve. This is generally caused by bacteria that have worked their way into the inner tooth. A root canal will help to clean any bacteria trapped in the underlying structure and tissue of the tooth.
If your showing any symptoms mentioned above, then it is a good idea to make an appointment immediately. Please contact Bentonville Smiles with any questions!