Tooth pain can be a symptom of an oral health issue, such as a cavity or an infection, so it’s best not to ignore it. There can be many reasons why tooth pain develops. The treatment needed will depend on the cause. Dr. Daniel Isaacson, Dr. Michael Weisbrod, and Dr. Tara Peterson, the highly skilled dentists at Isaacson Gentle Dentistry in White Bear Lake, MN, can diagnose the cause of your tooth pain and recommend the right treatment.
Causes of Tooth Pain
Cavities and other oral health problems are common causes of tooth pain and sensitivity. Examples include:
- Areas of decay
- Infected pulp tissue
- A loose or damaged filling
- A crack or fracture in the tooth
- An exposed root due to receding gums
- An impacted wisdom tooth
- A periodontal abscess
A condition known as bruxism that involves regularly clenching or grinding the teeth, especially at night, can also lead to tooth pain. Other possible causes of tooth pain include sinus headaches and nasal congestion due to a cold or flu. Sinus headaches and nasal congestion can both result in the feeling of pressure or a dull ache in the upper teeth and jaw but should subside once you are better.
Treatments for Tooth Pain
There are many ways to treat tooth pain. The appropriate treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. In many cases, treatment involves more than just delivering relief from pain, but also addressing the root cause. For example, treatment for tooth pain due to infection or decay could include filling a cavity or having a root canal. Both treatments involve the removal of infected or dead tissue so the problem does not progress.
Tooth pain that is the result of impacted wisdom teeth can be treated by extracting the problem tooth. If tooth pain is due to habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, it can be alleviated by wearing a custom night guard when sleeping. The night guard is worn over the teeth and protects them from being worn down and damaged. One of the experienced dentists at our office in White Bear Lake can diagnose the cause of your tooth pain and recommend the right treatment method.
You should not ignore tooth pain. Depending on the cause, more serious oral health problems could develop if left untreated. If you have tooth pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Isaacson, Dr. Weisbrod, or Dr. Peterson, our exceptional dentists, by calling Isaacson Gentle Dentistry in White Bear Lake, MN, at (651) 762-7677.
