Wondering if your toothache demands immediate attention? Think that you might need emergency dental care from a dentist in Lewis Center? The team at Olentangy Modern Dental is always happy to discuss your oral health and answer any questions you may have.
The Most Common Causes of Toothaches
There are a few common causes of toothaches, as follows.
- Cavity – Serious cavities eat away at the hard layers of enamel and dentin surrounding your teeth. When they’re deep enough, they can cause pain when you eat and chew, particularly when you eat very sweet foods.
- Infected tooth – An untreated cavity will result in an infection of your tooth. As the nerves inside your tooth die, this will cause you serious pain and discomfort, which is usually accompanied by tooth sensitivity and swelling of the gums near the infected area.
- Oral trauma – If you experience a hard hit in a contact sport, a slip and fall, or any other trauma that results in a dental injury, the pain in your jaw and gums may feel similar to a toothache. It’s also possible that one or more of your teeth have been cracked or broken.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – In some cases, serious and prolonged tooth grinding can put stress on the ligaments and roots of your teeth, which may cause them to ache. If you think you grind your teeth, you should see a dentist right away to prevent further pain and damage to your teeth.
Depending on the cause of your toothache, you may need treatment with a root canal, filling, or even a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding.
When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, you’re having a dental emergency. This usually indicates an advanced cavity or an infected tooth.
Without proper care, your condition will only get worse. As the infection progresses, the pulp that supports the inside of your tooth will continue to die, causing you unbearable pain and discomfort. Eventually, the entire tooth will die. It may fall out on its own, or the dead tooth may simply remain in your mouth until it’s pulled.
The Benefits of Immediate Emergency Care for Toothaches
Firstly and most importantly, getting emergency dental care for a toothache gives you relief from the pain and discomfort of your condition. Dr. Amy Gavin can determine the cause of your toothache, and take the necessary steps to resolve your issue.
Not only that, but getting help for a toothache right away can help prevent further costly complications. For example, if you don’t get a root canal for an infected tooth, it may die and require extraction and replacement with a denture, dental bridge or dental implant. These procedures are much more costly and invasive compared to timely intervention with a root canal.
Finally, you’ll benefit from peace of mind. After treatment, you’ll know that your dental issue is under control, and you can get back to your day-to-day life without worrying about your oral health.
Get the Care You Need for Your Toothache in Lewis Center!
At Olentangy Modern Dental, we serve Lewis Center, Delaware, and the surrounding areas with expert emergency dental care and same-day appointments. Contact us now at 740-200-5100 to schedule an appointment, or stop by our office at 7100 Graphics Way #3800, Lewis Center, OH, 43035.