Sciota, Pennsylvania
It may be a dull throb or a sudden stabbing feeling. Whatever form it takes, a toothache can disrupt your routine and even become debilitating, making it difficult to function on a daily basis. Any type of pain is your body’s way of signaling you that something is wrong. So, if you are suffering from a toothache, you should not ignore it. Today on the blog, your experienced dentists in Sciota at Quiet Valley Dental explain the most common reasons for a toothache and how we can help.
A self-diagnosis can only do so much
No matter what type of pain you are experiencing – dental pain in this case – a self-diagnosis only should be used to provide more information to your dentist. Never make a self-diagnosis, research that information online and use your findings as a basis of care. Instead, in the event of a toothache, trust your care to a qualified and knowledgeable dentist like Dr. Brian Chiusano or Dr. David Miller at Quiet Valley Dental.
Know the different types of tooth pain
Intermittent sharp pains: This feels like a jabbing or stabbing sensation that occurs at irregular intervals. The pain may affect a single tooth or several teeth and usually occurs due to some sort of stimulus – opening and closing your mouth, chewing, eating or drinking something that is hot or cold, etc. Pain of this type comes and goes but when it does occur, you know it; the discomfort can be excruciating.
Reason for the pain? Common causes include a cracked tooth, an untreated cavity or a dental abscess.
Sharp sensitivity: You are eating an ice cream cone or drinking a cup of coffee and feel that sudden zing of sensitivity. Even a sudden cold draft of air can cause a quick stab of pain. In short, any sudden temperature change in the mouth triggers this type of pain.
Reason for the pain? A cavity, an abscess or gum recession could be the culprit. You also may be experiencing a deterioration of tooth enamel, perhaps from over brushing.
A dull, nagging ache: The most common type of toothache also can be the most persistent. This type of tooth pain generally fades if you take an over-the-counter pain relief medication, but this only treats the symptom and not the problem.
Reason for the pain? An area of tooth decay, a problem with the dental nerve or damage to teeth from bruxism – the clinical term for teeth grinding.
Extreme throbbing: If you are experiencing pain of this type, this is one of those situations where you may need to contact your emergency dentist in Sciota and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Reason for the pain? You may have developed an infection or abscess in the tooth that could be life-threatening without treatment. The likelihood of this increases if you also are experiencing facial swelling in combination with extreme pain.
Pain when you eat: If you only experience a toothache when you eat, this can be miserable and make it difficult to get the nutrition you need. You may be able to treat the discomfort with an over-the-counter medication but only seeing a dental professional will bring you lasting relief.
Reason for the pain? A tooth decay or a fractured tooth are the likely suspects. Both also are problems that will only worsen without professional dental care.
Pain at the back of the jaw: This type of pain is less common than the others but still can become severe.
Reason for the pain? This usually occurs because you have a wisdom tooth that is impacted – meaning the tooth is trying to emerge from the gum line but there is not enough room to accommodate it.
Treating a toothache in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Stop living with tooth pain, and the potential ramifications on your oral and overall health if you do not seek treatment. Instead, schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Quiet Valley Dental today. Just call (570) 992-7040 or complete our contact form, available on our website.
