Toothaches can be extremely painful and may be persistent or it may come and go, but the bottom line is they hurt, are uncomfortable, and can affect your entire body. Dental pain or Toothache in Kailua that is not helped with over-the-counter drugs needs to be seen by a dentist. Let’s look at common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
* Common Causes -; The most common reason for toothaches are irritated nerves within the pulp of the tooth. Other possible causes are infection, periodontal disease (gum disease), plaque buildup, decay, traumatic injury, cracked teeth, faulty crowns or fillings, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Sometimes pain that originates elsewhere in the body can radiate to the mouth and be mistaken for tooth pain. This often occurs in the case of TMJ, sinus conditions, or ear problems.
* Signs and Symptoms -; Depending on the individual, the degree of pain felt from a Toothache in Kailua may range from mildly irritating to severe, stabbing pain. Pain upon chewing or from hot or cold foods or beverages may be experienced. Severe inflammation of the tooth’s pulp can cause the pain to radiate to the cheek area, jaw , or even the ear. Some people may have bleeding or swelling around the tooth or swelling of the cheek or jaw. These symptoms can also indicate tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease and must be diagnosed by a dental professional. Observing pus near the tooth may indicate an abscessed tooth which requires immediate attention as prolonged abscesses are not only very painful but can affect the surrounding bone as well.
* Diagnosis and Treatment -; A definitive diagnosis is made upon a physical exam often accompanied by x-rays. Often pain medications or antibiotics will be prescribed to help with the pain or infection. The dentist may perform a deep cleaning below the gum line to address gum infections. Abscesses usually require root canals, crowns, or even extraction of the affected tooth. Causes such as TMJ, nerve or muscle problems, or sinus infections require other treatment methods and pain management.
If home remedy treatments such as pain medications, warm salt water rinses, or using ice packs doesn’t help then one needs to see a dentist such as Howard H. Carric III DDS as soon as possible. One should seek help if they experience a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a distasteful taste in the affected area.
