Albertville, AL
We have all probably experienced a toothache at one time or another, thinking the pain will pass, which it sometimes does. What happens when the pain will not go away? Often, patients with a toothache wonder, what is causing the pain, how long will it last, and when should I go to the dentist?
A variety of dental issues can cause a toothache such as tooth decay, a fractured tooth, old damaged fillings, uneven bite, teeth clenching or grinding, and gum infections. Symptoms of a toothache range from sharp, consistent pain to throbbing pain, swelling at the source of the pain, fever, headache, or even drainage from the site. Depending on the type of pain you are having and the severity of pain, will determine when you should see the dentist.
If your tooth pain is tolerable, comes and goes, and there are no other signs of an infection (drainage or fever), consider waiting a day or two to see if the pain goes away. However, if your toothache lasts longer than one to two days, or you are experiencing severe pain, contact the dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. Also, if your toothache is accompanied by a fever or an earache, do not hesitate to be seen by the dentist. The dentist can find the source of your pain and offer treatment options, so there is no need to suffer in pain longer than necessary.
The cause of your tooth pain will determine the type of treatment that is necessary. If the tooth infection is because of decay or a broken tooth, it is likely that a root canal is the best option. However, some patients experience severe tooth pain because they are always clenching and grinding their teeth, which means they may need a bite guard to put an end to their tooth pain.
If you are experiencing a toothache, contact Wall Street Dentistry today! We welcome patients of Boaz and Albertville, Alabama.