It’s a mild spring day, and you’re out-and-about enjoying the beautiful weather when, suddenly, you’re struck with a sharp pain in one of your teeth. As your attention shifts to your emerging pain, you wonder if it needs immediate attention. Your dentist in Lincoln provides some expert insight on the matter so your oral health can be restored as soon as possible.
What are the Typical Causes of a Toothache?
A toothache is unique in that it can be brought on by several factors. By properly gauging the different traits it can display, though, you can take the correct steps toward recovery.
Tooth Decay
Initial tooth discomfort is usually the sign of a developing cavity. Addressed in its early stages, a cavity can simply be filled by your dentist.
Gum Disease
If gum disease is allowed to develop into its more advanced form, a painful toothache can emerge that requires emergency dental care to be treated.
Facial Trauma
If you’re involved in sports, a sudden blow to the face could result in a severely cracked and aching tooth. This should typically be considered a dental emergency.
Depending on the acuteness of the trauma, you may need immediate care.
Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth emerges, it can become impacted. If the pain is not severe, this usually doesn’t require emergency care, but it definitely shouldn’t be ignored.
Abscessed Tooth
A tooth abscess is the body’s natural way of identifying an infection and then surrounding it to stop its movement. It can cause acute pain, though, and it qualifies as an emergent situation.
Sinus Issues
It’s not uncommon for a sinus infection or a similar condition to cause tooth pain. In such cases, you should reach out to your primary physician for care.
When You Should be Most Concerned
If you notice any of the following symptoms, then you should be more concerned about your toothache:
- You have an earache.
- The pain has lasted longer than two days.
- The intensity of the pain is increasing.
- You’ve been experiencing fevers or chills.
- There is pain when you open your mouth.
What to Do for Temporary Relief
At any time, an emergency can happen, so it never hurts to be prepared. Here are some measures you can take at home to get some temporary relief:
- Take ibuprofen to ease the pain.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your jaw to reduce any swelling.
- Apply numbing gel to the area around the pain site.
- Attempt to carefully floss to make sure there is no food wedged between your teeth.
While dealing with a toothache is not your idea of how to spend a spring day, there is help available to restore your oral health. To receive the treatment you need, contact your local emergency dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and for nearly two decades, he has been a fixture in the Lincoln area. To further hone his skills, Dr. Olberding has received advanced postgraduate training from such institutions as the Dawson Academy for Advanced Dentistry and Spear Education. He treats dental emergencies at Olberding Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.