For a lot of people, visiting the dentist is second only to moving on the list of things they want to do least. But it’s not a good idea to ignore tooth pain; it can be a symptom of a very serious dental problem. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience tooth or mouth pain that lasts 24-48 hours.
In addition to the tooth pain, you may also experience:
- Swelling of the gums and face
- A bad taste in your mouth
- A headache, earache, neck pain, or fever
- Another form of mouth pain in addition to the toothache
For emergency relief until you can see your dentist, try:
- Flossing the area around the tooth to remove any debris lodged between the teeth
- Applying an ice pack or cold compress to your cheek
- Swishing warm water in your mouth
- Taking an over-the-counter pain medication
It’s Important to Determine the Cause of the Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can be a symptom of many different problems. Even a mild, temporary toothache can be a red flag that something’s not right in your mouth. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. If left untreated, the problem causing the pain can become more serious, and even spread to the surrounding teeth and gums.
The most common cause of tooth pain is a cavity. A cavity occurs when acids on the teeth bore holes through the tooth’s enamel. The tooth becomes infected and begins to decay from the inside. The result is a toothache that gets worse as the damage caused by the infection spreads.
Other causes of tooth pain include:
- Food or other object lodged between the teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Abscessed tooth
- Bruxism (grinding your teeth)
- Oral trauma/fractured, cracked, or broken tooth
- Gingivitis
- Flu or other illness
- Sinus Infection / Allergies
Your dentist will perform a thorough exam of the affected tooth and surrounding site. This includes X-rays and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your toothache.
Once they’ve determined the cause of your tooth pain, your dentist will discuss treatment options. Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, your dentist may recommend a root canal, fillings, or even a tooth extraction and replacement.
Call The Dental Space Today
Tooth pain doesn’t happen without a reason. It’s important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your toothache ASAP. If you’ve been experiencing severe tooth pain in San Marcos, TX, contact The Dental Space without delay. Dr. McCartor and his team are always prepared to treat dental pain. We’ll do everything we can to see you the same day you call. We strive to make our dental procedures as stress-free and painless as possible. In most instances, the cause of a toothache can be treated and any damage repaired in one office visit.
The Dental Space always welcomes new patients — even those as young as 6 months. Contact us online or call us at 512-667-9770 to schedule your appointment. We’re conveniently located at 1101 Thorpe Lane, not far from the intersection of E Hopkins St and IH-35. The Dental Space accepts most forms of dental insurance.
