All About Toothaches
If you’ve ever experienced an emergency dental visit for a tooth that needed to be taken care of ASAP, you know just how bad a toothache can hurt. It is important to take note of your dental situation and if you feel something is amiss, do not hesitate to call your dentist and save yourself lots of pain. But what is it about the tooth that can make it hurt so darn much? In today’s blog post we will cover the structure of the tooth, as well as explain why toothaches hurt so bad.
Inside your tooth is the “pulp” which is filled with nerves, blood vessels, and more. These nerves are some of the most sensitive in your body and when they are irritated or infected (abscessed) can cause an intense and somewhat unique form of pain much different from what your body may be used to. Unlike many other nerves, which can feel hot, cold, and other sensations, the dental nerves only “feel.” This is why whether a tooth gets too cold, or you bite down on something too hard, the only reaction you will have is pain.
When should I call a Dentist?
Sometimes a toothache will simply be gum irritation or pain from outside the tooth. These can get better and can often just be gum irritation. However, if a toothache lasts longer than 48 hours, hurts severely, causes a fever or earache, or causes your face to swell, ensure you contact your dentist quickly to stop the dental infection from spreading to other parts of the body or head.
How are Toothaches Treated
For toothaches caused by a small cavity, a dental filling will usually do the trick. However, when the damage to the tooth or nerves has reached a certain point generally a root canal or a dental implant may be required. This in combination with an antibiotic, if necessary, will quickly alleviate your tooth pain and allow you to chew again without worry!
If you are suffering from a toothache make sure to monitor it closely and take appropriate action to spare yourself the pain of a fully abscessed tooth. Don’t forget to call 801-447-2988 to receive expert diagnoses and care from one of our doctors when you think something may be at risk.
