What causes a toothache?
Your teeth shouldn’t cause you pain, so if you’re feeling discomfort, something in your tooth isn’t right. A toothache can happen if you have:
- Debris, food, or floss wedged between your teeth and gums
- A crack or fracture in your tooth
- Decay or an infection
- A worn tooth due to grinding
- Trauma to the root/nerve of a tooth
- A sinus infection
- Earaches
- Facial pain
How is the problem diagnosed?
During your visit, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC evaluates your tooth through state-of-the-art imaging, including a dental 3D Imaging if needed. This allows him to get a look at your tooth’s root to see if there’s an underlying infection. He also does a visual inspection of the area and a complete oral exam.
The screenings, visual exam, and your oral history help the doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC diagnose the cause of your problem and determine the steps he needs to take for a successful root canal. It’s also vital to let him know if you’ve recently had an injury, illness, or if you’re taking any medication. These factors can all affect the course of your treatment.
Do I really need to see an endodontist for a toothache?
If your toothache is persistent and intense, it often indicates decay or damage that threatens the integrity of the tooth. You also don’t want an infection to spread to other areas of your body. Make an appointment right away if you have:
- Severe pain
- Swollen face or gums
- Sensitivity with hot or cold temperatures
- A toothache that lasts for more than one day
- A fever
- Pain when opening your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
How is a toothache treated?
It depends entirely on the cause. If you have a severe infection inside your tooth, it’s possible that you’ll need a root canal to clear out the affected pulp and preserve the tooth’s integrity. Some infections need to be treated with antibiotics, too.
