Toothache In Aurora, IL
Toothache
Everyone will experience a toothache at some point. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 40% of the population has had a toothache within the last year. This is one of the most common reasons for dental visits between cleanings.
City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL has a team of skilled dental professionals who can diagnose and treat toothache as well as a variety of other oral health conditions. Here’s what you need to know about toothache and how we treat them at City of Lights Dental.
Why Choose City of Lights Dental for Emergency Toothache Relief In Aurora?
The dentists and staff at City of Lights Dental understand that dental visits can be stressful, especially when you have a toothache. Therefore, we strive to create a comfortable environment where patients can relax. We are highly trained in properly diagnosing and treating a variety of dental issues, including toothache relief, and will work with you to create the best treatment plan to help you treat your pain and get your smile back.
Overview of Toothache
Toothache refers to pain in/around a tooth. There are several different types of toothache that you should be aware of. A minor toothache is typically due to a temporary irritation that can be treated at home and usually resolves within a few days. A severe toothache is typically due to a cavity, infection, or other condition that will not resolve on its own and requires professional intervention.
If you have a severe toothache accompanied by fever, chills, uncontrollable bleeding, or swelling, you need to seek emergency dental treatment. If left untreated, there is a risk that infection will spread to other areas of your body including your brain and heart.
Types of Toothache
There are several different types of toothache depending on the underlying cause:
Dull, persistent ache
Sharp pain
Sharp toothache pain is typically intense and is typically caused by tooth decay that has progressed into the dental pulp. The dental pulp is located in the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is common but can be irritating- especially when you’re trying to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are tooth decay, gum disease, or bruxism.
Throbbing Pain
Throbbing pain is an indication that there is an infection in the dental pulp. Typically, root canal treatment will be required to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading through the body.
Pain when biting
Pain when biting is an indication that there is something abnormal in the mouth such as infection, tooth fracture, or other oral health concern.
Causes of Toothache
There are a few potential causes of toothache, including:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth fracture/cracks
- Bruxism
- Dental abscess
- Wisdom teeth
Do I need to see a dentist if I have a toothache?
Tooth pain does need to be addressed by a dentist- even if it resolves within a few days on its own. The pain could be an indication that you have an underlying oral health concern. In most cases, however, it is not an emergency.
If you are experiencing severe pain that does not resolve within a few days accompanied by swelling, fever, chills, bleeding, or other symptoms, you need emergency treatment.
Toothache Treatments
City of Lights Dental offers several treatment options for patients with toothache. The first step is to diagnose the underlying cause of the toothache. This is done through an oral examination along with imaging and other diagnostic testing as needed. Once the cause of your toothache is diagnosed, we will proceed with treatment:
Antibiotics/Medications
In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate infection. Prescription or OTC pain relievers may also be recommended.
Dental Filling
Typically, mild to moderate tooth decay can be treated with a dental filling. This involves removing the tooth decay and reshaping the tooth with a biocompatible material.
Root Canal Treatment
If the infection has advanced into the dental pulp, root canal treatment will be recommended. This involves drilling a small hole in the tooth, removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the tooth, and filling it with a biocompatible material. The hole will then be sealed with a dental filling and usually, a dental crown is recommended to protect the tooth from future damage or decay.
Extraction
While we strive to salvage the natural tooth when possible, in some cases the only option is extraction. There are two types of extraction: simple and surgical. Once the tooth is removed, replacement options will be recommended including dental implant, dental bridge, or dentures.
Home Remedies For Toothache
There are a few things you can do at home to manage tooth pain, including:
- Clean between teeth with dental floss to remove any lodged food debris
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek near the affected tooth
- Take an OTC pain reliever
- Apply vanilla extract, clove oil, or a peppermint tea bag to the affected tooth
- Apply an OTC oral anesthetic
- Rinse with warm salt water
Schedule Your Visit to City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL Today
While a toothache may not necessarily indicate a dental emergency, it does warrant a visit to the dentist. In some cases, a toothache may be caused by something as simple as food stuck between teeth. In other cases, the underlying cause may be serious and, if left untreated, could become fatal.
If you have a toothache, it’s important to schedule your visit to City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL as soon as possible. Our team will determine the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Toothache FAQs
If you have questions about toothache and how to get rid of the pain, the team at City of Lights Dental will be glad to help. We believe that when patients understand the issues they are facing and the possible treatment options, the process is much smoother. Below are some of the most common questions:
How long does a toothache last?
Typically, a non-serious toothache will last for 1 to 2 days. If the pain is severe or persists beyond 2 days, it’s important to seek treatment right away.
How do I know if my toothache is serious?
Toothaches are extremely common and don’t necessarily indicate that there is a serious issue. However, several factors could indicate you have a serious issue and you should contact your dentist:
- Lasts for more than 1 to 2 days
- Severe, does not respond to medications or other at-home treatments
- Fever, earache, or difficulty swallowing
- Foul/metallic taste in the mouth
- Hurts to chew
- Swelling
- Uncontrollable bleeding
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?
There are several things you can do to stop a toothache at home:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use dental floss to clean between teeth/remove any debris lodged between teeth
- Take an OTC pain reliever
- Apply clove oil or vanilla extract to the affected tooth
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek near the affected tooth
- Apply an OTC oral anesthetic
How can I cure my tooth pain?
The best way to fully cure tooth pain is to see a dentist to treat the underlying cause. If you don’t treat what is causing the pain, it will continue to return.
Why is tooth pain worse at night?
There are several possible reasons that toothache pain flares up at night:
- Fewer distractions
- Bruxism
- Less blood flow to the area
- Lying down increases blood flow to the head
- Late-night meals triggering acid reflux
