Tooth pain is discomfort you feel in or around your tooth. In most cases, tooth pain signals an issue with your tooth or gums. However, sometimes referred tooth pain may be caused by problems in other areas of your body. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe discomfort, visiting the best dental office near me can help identify the root cause and provide relief.
Severe toothaches should not be ignored because tooth pain caused by tooth decay can worsen over time if left untreated. Although tooth pain is not life-threatening, it can indicate severe conditions that need prompt treatment in many cases.
How Do Toothaches Feel?
Tooth pain can range from mild to severe, and it can either remain constant or come and go. You might experience throbbing pain or swelling around your tooth and gums, a fever, sharp pain when touching your tooth or biting down, and heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Uncommon tooth pain may feel like a burning or shock-like sensation.
Why Is Dental Pain So Bad?
If you experience severe dental pain, it may be due to untreated tooth decay that has reached the soft center of your tooth, known as the dental pulp. When left untreated, this can lead to a dental abscess, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, it’s important to seek treatment immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to your brain.
Dental abscesses often require root canal therapy to remove the infection, followed by tooth restoration with a dental crown.
An impacted tooth, especially an impacted wisdom tooth, can also lead to tooth pain. If a wisdom tooth is trapped in the gum tissue or bone, it may require surgical removal by a dentist or oral surgeon to prevent infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
Familiar Causes of Referred Toothaches
Infections in the sinus cavity can lead to inflammation, resulting in a condition called sinusitis. Since the roots of your upper teeth are close to your sinuses, sinusitis can cause pain in your upper teeth.
Certain health conditions, such as lung cancer and heart disease, can also cause referred tooth pain. In some cases, tooth pain could be a warning sign of an impending heart attack. The vagus nerve, which extends from the brain to various organs, including the heart and lungs, can also transmit pain signals to your jaw.
Unfamiliar Causes of Referred Tooth Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia and occipital neuralgia are neurological conditions that can cause intense pain. These conditions occur when the trigeminal or occipital nerve becomes inflamed or irritated. Since these nerves serve the face, teeth, and skull, their inflammation can result in referred pain to your teeth.
Why Does Tooth Pain Come and Go?
If you have an untreated cavity, bacteria may reach the dental pulp, causing intermittent tooth pain. The discomfort may come and go, leading you to believe the issue is improving, which can delay treatment. However, ignoring the pain can result in it returning with greater intensity. Instead of waiting, it’s important to seek treatment from a dentist.
During your visit, the dentist will perform a physical exam, take X-rays to detect tooth decay or other issues, and provide pain relief and antibiotics. If tooth decay is the cause, the dentist will remove the decay and fill the cavity. Impacted wisdom teeth may require surgical removal. If your dentist cannot determine the cause of your tooth pain, they may refer you to a specialist.
If your dentist suspects you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease or are at risk for a heart attack, they will likely refer you to an emergency department for additional tests.
No matter how mild or severe the pain may seem, tooth pain requires treatment from a dentist or healthcare professional to alleviate discomfort and avoid complications. If you’re experiencing a toothache, schedule an appointment with Charm Dental — Richmond today for a professional evaluation.
Conclusion
Tooth pain can vary in intensity and cause, but it should never be ignored. Whether the pain is mild or severe, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and seek professional dental care if you suspect a serious issue, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or a dental abscess. Early intervention can prevent further complications and help you maintain optimal oral health. If you’re experiencing any signs of serious tooth pain, don’t hesitate to contact Charm Dental Care for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan. Your smile deserves the best care, and we’re here to help!