How General Dentistry Can Deal with Toothaches

One of the more common concerns treated in general dentistry is a toothache. Treating toothaches involves determining the cause(s) of the toothache and treating the underlying concern because a toothache is generally a symptom of a more serious oral health issue.

How general dentistry deals with toothaches

There are numerous ways a dentist can treat a toothache, and the most appropriate solution depends solely on the cause, which can be determined through dental x-rays and an oral examination. However, some of the more common treatments for toothache are dental crowns, fillings, root canal therapy, and gum disease treatment.

Why toothaches occur

Toothaches are often the result of damage to the tooth. This most commonly results from poor oral hygiene and dental trauma. Among the most common reasons a toothache may develop are:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Chips and cracks
• Enamel erosion
• Deep gum pockets

These concerns all have one thing in common, which is they expose the deeper layers of teeth or the tooth’s root. When this occurs, the nerves of the tooth are exposed, leading to toothache and related symptoms.

Symptoms that may exist along with a toothache

A toothache is not always the only symptom that develops from some of the common oral health concerns listed above. Other symptoms that may exist along with a toothache are tooth discoloration, a loose tooth, swollen gums, gum discoloration, and tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold substances or temperatures.

The importance of prompt toothache treatment

If a toothache is left untreated for an extended amount of time, then the treatment necessary to relieve the discomfort can become more extensive. For example, minor tooth decay could cause toothache. The treatment for small cavities is typically a dental filling, which is a simple general dentistry restorative procedure. However, if left untreated and the decay worsens, then root canal therapy followed by crown placement may be necessary, which is more invasive and costly. In severe cases, tooth extraction may become necessary.

General dentistry treatment options for a toothache

As mentioned, the most common treatment options for a toothache include dental fillings, dental crowns, and root canal therapy. However, there are many possible causes of toothaches, and treatment can only be recommended after a general dentist has a chance to examine the tooth.

In some cases, the toothache could be the result of gum complications, in which case gum disease treatment, a gum grafting procedure, and other periodontal treatments may be appropriate. If the toothache is caused by a severely damaged or loose tooth, then extraction and tooth replacement may be the best solution.