A toothache is your body’s way of letting you know that something is amiss with your oral health and requires intervention from your emergency dentist in East Colorado Springs, CO.
In some cases, a toothache starts as tooth sensitivity that does not go away or increases until you’re taking over-the-counter pain medications to get relief. However, it’s important to remember that medicines mask the symptoms but do not fix the problem.
Ignoring a toothache or treating it on your own can cost you the tooth, threaten other teeth, and put your oral health at risk.
Let’s look at a few causes of toothaches and the potential treatments.
4 Common Reasons You May Have a Toothache
It’s impossible to predict every toothache cause, which is why intervention from your dentist is so necessary. However, there are common toothache causes, and most of them fall under root infection or deep decay, trauma, teeth grinding, gum disease.
#1 Root Infection or Deep Decay
If you have a root infection or deep decay, a root canal in East Colorado Springs is typically the recommended treatment.
Despite the myths, root canals are a pain-relieving treatment as opposed to a painful undertaking. Your dentist numbs the area and gently removes the infected tissue from your tooth’s canal. Then, we pack the tooth with material to promote healing and provide a tooth-colored filling or dental crown at a later date.
If you come in at the first signs of pain or sensitivity, simple cavity treatment and a dental filling may be sufficient.
#2 Trauma
An injury to your tooth may be treated in several ways, including root canal therapy, a dental crown for stabilization, and, in severe cases, a tooth extraction.
Following a tooth extraction, we offer tooth replacement options, including dental implants in East Colorado Springs, CO.
#3 Teeth Grinding
Grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism) leads to fractures and a breakdown of your tooth enamel. This allows the infection to set in and tooth pain. We treat teeth grinding, which is sometimes related to jaw joint dysfunction, with a custom splint.
#4 Gum Disease
Gum disease usually follows untreated gingivitis, and it means you have an infection in your gum tissue and periodontal ligaments. This is a treatable condition, but intervention is crucial because gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even body health complications in other organs. Gum disease treatment may include deep cleanings and a specialized treatment plan in our dental office.
Lowering Your Risks for Toothaches and Oral Health Conditions
An excellent at-home routine, coupled with regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, is your best defense against toothaches and other oral health complications. In addition, these measures lower your risks for needing specialized, tooth-saving treatments like root canals, fillings, and gum disease treatments in East Colorado Springs, CO.
It’s also essential to report oral health changes to your dentist as soon as possible to lower your risks for ongoing complications, including the need for extraction.
Do You Have a Toothache in East Colorado Springs, CO?
Your dentist near me will evaluate your issue and take steps to relieve your pain and restore your tooth’s health. So reach out today to get started.
If lack of insurance or exhausted benefits keep you away from the dentist, check out our Membership Plan.
We are located in East Colorado Springs—near the Citadel Mall—but enjoy serving patients from all locations.