Teeth work hard, and like all the other hard-working parts of your body, they can become painful. Of course, there are instances when a toothache may be temporary and, therefore, nothing to worry about. For example, you may have a small particle of food trapped between two teeth. In this case, a good flossing can alleviate the pain quickly. On the other hand, however, there are conditions that warrant seeing Dr. Bond or Dr. Ganfield at White Clay Dental Associates, your dentist in Newark.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common cause of tooth pain. This condition occurs when enamel—the hard outer layer that protects each tooth—thins, or when gums recede and expose the sensitive dentin layer that lies below enamel. The sensitivity may be most pronounced when hot, cold, sweet or highly acidic foods and beverages come in contact with your tooth. There are special toothpastes that can help with tooth sensitivity, but for persistent pain, your emergency dentist in Newark may recommend dental sealants or even a dental crown.
Tooth Infection
If you are experiencing severe even throbbing pain, then the problem may be an infected tooth or abscess. Normally, the interior of a tooth—called the pulp chamber and root canals—are well protected by the layers of enamel and dentin. However, if bacteria reach this area because of advanced decay, a deep crack or traumatic injury, then infection can set in and cause an extremely painful toothache. When this happens, the tooth begins to die and root canal therapy is necessary. During a root canal, the pulp chamber and canals are cleared of infection, the space is filled with a biocompatible substance, and tooth is fitted for a dental crown.
Other Reasons for Tooth Pain
Sometimes the pain of a toothache is actually not connected to a tooth at all. For instance, your sinuses are positioned directly about your upper teeth. If the pain you feel is behind your cheeks—and especially if the pain is on both sides of your face—then you may have a sinus infection. Also, temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, can cause symptoms of a toothache. However, TMJ is associated with the joints that allow you to open and close your mouth. At our dental office in Newark, we’ll be able to determine if the pain you are experiencing is related to TMJ.
Call Your Dentist in Newark Today
Call our Newark office today to speak with anyone on our staff if you are experiencing tooth pain. We’ll be glad to see you in order to diagnose your pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment