Why Does Your Tooth Hurt? 5 Signs You Need Professional Help Now
What Your Tooth Pain May Be Trying to Tell You
Tooth pain doesn’t show up for no reason. Sometimes the problem is fairly simple, like a cavity that needs a filling. Other times, the pain is a sign that something deeper is happening inside the tooth or around the root. In those cases, treatment may be more involved and could include a root canal or even a tooth extraction.
That is why it’s important you don’t ignore a tooth that keeps hurting. The sooner you figure out what is causing the pain, the better your chances of treating it before it turns into something bigger. At Ada Smile Place, we have been locally owned and serving Ada families since 1980, and helping patients get answers for tooth pain is a big part of what our Ada family dentistry practice is here to do. Let’s look at 5 signs that might mean your tooth pain needs attention.
Sign #1: Persistent or Throbbing Pain
Pain that sticks around or starts throbbing is usually a sign that the problem is not staying small. A tooth may ache constantly, flare up in waves, or feel worse when you lie down at night. That kind of tooth pain can sometimes point to an irritated or infected nerve inside the tooth.
When that happens, a filling usually is not enough to solve it. In some cases, a root canal may be the best way to remove the infection and save the tooth. If you have been wondering what a root canal is, it is a treatment that clears out the damaged tissue inside the tooth so the area can be cleaned, sealed, and protected.
Sign #2: Swelling in the Gums or Face
Swelling is another sign that should not be ignored. If the gums around a tooth start puffing up, or if the swelling spreads into your cheek or face, there is a good chance an infection is involved. In some cases, that can mean an abscess has formed around the tooth or the root.
At that point, the problem usually needs more than watchful waiting. Depending on how severe the infection is and whether the tooth can still be saved, treatment may involve a root canal or a tooth extraction. Regardless, if you have signs of an abscess, you should see your dentist as soon as you can for immediate treatment.
Sign #3: Sharp Pain When Biting Down
A sharp jolt of pain when you bite down is another sign something may be wrong below the surface. In some cases, it points to a cracked tooth. In others, deep decay may have weakened the tooth enough that pressure starts setting off pain.
This kind of tooth pain can be easy to test without meaning to because it shows up every time you chew. If the crack or decay is caught early enough, the tooth may still be treated and protected. If the damage is too severe, though, a tooth extraction may be the better option.
Sign #4: Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
A quick twinge when you come into contact with something cold is one thing. Sensitivity that hangs on after the sip or bite is over can be a different story. When hot or cold sets off pain that lingers, it may mean the inner part of the tooth is getting involved.
This is one of those signs that is easier to deal with sooner rather than later. Early treatment can keep the problem from getting deeper and may help you avoid more involved care. If the nerve becomes badly irritated or infected, though, a root canal may end up being the treatment that saves the tooth.
Sign #5: Fever or Bad Taste in the Mouth
A fever or a bad taste that keeps coming back can be a sign that an infection is starting to spread. Some people also notice drainage around the tooth or a taste in the mouth that does not seem to go away, even after brushing. When that happens along with tooth pain, it usually means the problem needs attention quickly.
This is not the kind of symptom to put off. An exam can help determine how serious the infection is and whether a root canal may be able to save the tooth or if a tooth extraction is the safer next step.
Get answers for tooth pain at Ada Smile Place.
Tooth pain is one of those things that is easier to deal with early than after it has had time to progress. Whether the problem turns out to be a cavity, an infection, a cracked tooth, or something deeper, getting it checked sooner can help protect your tooth and make treatment more manageable.
If your tooth has been hurting, do not wait and hope it settles down on its own. Contact Ada Smile Place for prompt care from a trusted, locally owned dental team that has been serving Ada families since 1980.
