Should I Tell My Dentist About My Toothache?

If you have aches in your smile, then you should let your Albuquerque, NM, dentist know. Often, persistent pain in our smile could mean the presence of a cavity or a dental infection. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at how we treat the factors behind your aching tooth, and what you can do to keep your smile healthy.

A Toothache Could Be A Warning Sign

When your tooth feels sensitive or aches, this could be a result of sinus or allergy issues or even sudden changes in elevation. However, in these scenarios, the aches are short-lived and pass after a few hours. If you have pain due to cavities or infection, then your discomfort will last more than 48 hours and only grow more severe with time. The outermost layer of enamel protects the teeth, as the inner structure is made of more sensitive materials. However, poor oral hygiene, such as a diet high in sugary and infrequent brushing and flossing, could allow plaque to coat the teeth, eroding enamel and allowing cavities to form. When these cavities spread through the tooth and eventually reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, an infection begins.

The Dangers of Decay or Infection

Along with discomfort, decay and infection weaken the tooth structure, increasing the risk of injuries, such as cracks or chips. When a tooth is infected, the inner pulp could die, effectively killing the tooth. Extraction is then necessary to help stop the spread of infection to other teeth or into the jawbone itself. Be sure to let us know if you experience persistent tooth sensitivity or toothaches, as well as pain when chewing, swelling near your aching tooth, or a poor-tasting discharge from it. These could be signs of an advanced cavity or an infected tooth that needs attention!

Treatment for Your Smile

For minor cavities, we may remove the decay and place a lifelike composite resin filling in a single sitting. For more advanced cases, or infected teeth, we can use a root canal to remove the infected tissues, restore the interior of the tooth, and then cap it with a crown that looks natural and provides secure restoration. When you come to our office, we will ensure surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, and we schedule appointments to prevent you from sharing the waiting room with others. If you have any questions about tooth pain and emergency treatment, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Restorative Treatment?

Our team can use fillings or crowns to repair damage and halt discomfort. For more information on our treatments for decayed or damaged teeth, then schedule a consultation with us by calling Snow Park Dental in Albuquerque, NM, today at (505) 596-4479.

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