When you have an aching tooth, does this mean you need to see the dentist? We think so, as toothaches could potentially signal tooth decay or even an infection. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about treating toothaches, and how to limit your risk of developing them.
The Causes of Aching Teeth
An ache in one or your teeth could occur due to a number of factors, inkling changes in elevation, winter winds, allergy troubles, and sinus infections. But in these situations, the aches are short lived and pass after a few hours. But if you have pain or sensitivity in a tooth that lasts for more than a few hours, then you could have a cavity that needs treatment. A cavity forms when the outer enamel is weakened by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene, or possibly as a result of injury or teeth grinding. The decay will grow and spread and by the time you’re experiencing discomfort, this could mean it has entered a more severe stage, and the risk of infection is much greater. Treatment is essential for avoiding the loss of your aching tooth!
Possible Treatment Options
If we examine your smile and find a cavity, we can likely treat it in one visit with a filling. Instead of metal, we use a composite resin that blends glass-like and acrylic materials, and can be shaded to bend with the rest of your tooth. We numb the tooth, remove the decay, and place the filling. We then cure it and polish the teeth, all in one visit. For a more severe case, one bordering on an infection, we could place a lifelike and custom-made dental crown. A root canal procedure could also be employed to remove infected tissues from the tooth. These treatments are safe, comfortable, and bring instant relief from your discomfort, while also preventing major complications, such as tooth loss.
Preventing Aching Teeth
What can be done to help prevent cavity-related toothaches? Well, you can start by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and with a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss every evening. These actions help remove stray food particles and prevent plaque buildup from growing worse, limiting the risk of cavities. You can also cut back on sugary foods and drinks which provide harmful oral bacteria, the kind that cause plaque buildup, of a meal. Be sure to see us for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months too.
Your Kansas City, MO, Dentist Treats Toothaches
Our team is eager to help you enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile. If you would like to learn about how we treat aching teeth with lifelike restorations, then contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Murphy, by calling (816) 531-8000.
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