Toothache Relief: When to Seek Urgent Dental Care

A toothache can be an excruciating experience, one that no one should have to endure. If you're dealing with a painful toothache, it's important to seek urgent dental care as soon as possible. At the office of Affinity Dental Center, we provide prompt, skilled, and compassionate care to resolve dental emergencies and prevent further consequences to your smile and overall well-being.

Toothaches: What Causes Them?

Toothaches can stem from a variety of causes. Some of the most common reasons people experience toothaches include:

• Dental Decay: Cavities are one of the primary culprits behind toothaches. Harmful bacteria in your mouth metabolize sugar and produce acid that erodes dental enamel, creating a cavity. Without proper care, a cavity can deepen, destroying more tooth structure and potentially affecting the nerve, causing a toothache.
• Gum Disease: Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis or periodontitis, can lead to toothaches. As your gums recede, your tooth roots become exposed, which may create sensitivity and discomfort. Periodontal disease can also cause gum pocketing and infection.
• Dental Abscess: A dental abscess is often a result of untreated cavities or gum disease. This pus-filled sac can lead to severe toothaches and requires immediate attention.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A cracked or fractured tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers, causing intense pain. This situation can arise from dental trauma, grinding, biting into a hard substance, or the stress and strain affecting fragile tooth structure surrounding a large filling.
• Problematic Wisdom Teeth: The emergence of wisdom teeth can lead to discomfort and potential infections. Impacted wisdom teeth or ones that don't have enough space to erupt properly are often problematic.

Not all toothaches are the same, and they can manifest themselves in many ways. You may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or discomfort when biting down on a specific tooth. Swelling and redness in the tissues around a tooth, persistent bad breath, and sinus or jaw pain may also indicate a dental problem.

Why Ignoring a Toothache is a Bad Idea

Ignoring a toothache can have serious consequences. In addition to worsening the pain you're experiencing, an untreated toothache can lead to an infection that severely affects your oral health and overall well-being.

Urgent Dental Care When You Need It

If you're dealing with a toothache, don't delay. Contact our office for the skilled, reliable care needed to alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile. Remember, at the office of Affinity Dental Center, we're always here to help.