Throbbing Tooth Pain Treatment in Queens, NY
Free Consultation
All Patient. Always Free
If insurance unavailable
Why Does a Toothache Throb?
Not all tooth pain feels the same. The type of pain you feel is actually a useful clue. A toothache can be sharp, dull, or lingering. But a throbbing, pulsing ache that beats in time with your heartbeat usually points to one thing. It means pressure is building up inside or around the tooth from swelling or infection.
What a Throbbing Pulse Usually Means
This rhythmic feeling happens because blood pools in a swollen or infected area faster than it can drain. Every heartbeat adds a little more pressure against the nerve. It’s a common sign of:
- A tooth abscess — a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection, often the most common cause of true throbbing pain.
- Advanced or irreversible pulpitis, where the nerve inside the tooth is significantly inflamed.
- A cracked or fractured tooth that has let bacteria reach the inner tooth.
- An impacted tooth, most often a wisdom tooth pressing against the jaw or neighboring teeth.
- A sinus infection, which can refer pressure into the upper back teeth.
When Throbbing Tooth Pain Is an Emergency
The Mayo Clinic says to get emergency care right away if throbbing tooth pain comes with facial swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. These signs can mean the infection has spread beyond the tooth and needs urgent treatment.
Getting Relief Until Your Appointment
A cold compress against your cheek and an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can help for a while. But throbbing pain rarely goes away on its own — it needs to be diagnosed and treated at the source.
Schedule Your Free Throbbing Tooth Pain Consultation in our Queens, NY office
Read More About Throbbing Tooth Pain
Throbbing Pain That Comes and Goes
Throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes may mean your tooth is in the early stages of gum disease or tooth decay. See your dentist as soon as possible, especially if the pain also comes with facial swelling or a fever.
The Mayo Clinic reports that an abscess may be causing throbbing tooth pain. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Get emergency dental care “if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of your body.”
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth also can include:
- Pain that runs from the tooth down your neck to your ears and jaw.
- Swelling in your face.
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes.
- Extreme sensitivity when you chew and bite — and from cold and hot food and drinks.
If an abscess ruptures before you get treatment, foul-tasting fluid may suddenly fill your mouth. The bad-smelling, salty taste may be followed by relief, since it means the infection has been released.
Why Is My Tooth Throbbing?
Several conditions can cause a throbbing tooth. Many of them are a dental emergency. Common causes of a throbbing tooth include:
- Nerve damage.
- Cavities.
- Cracked or fractured tooth.
- Sinus infection.
- Impacted tooth, most commonly a wisdom tooth.
How Is a Throbbing Tooth Diagnosed and Treated?
The more your throbbing tooth pain bothers you, the sooner you should visit your Queens dentist. He looks for the source of the pain and asks when it started and when it gets worse. X-rays and a full exam of your teeth, jaw, mouth, gums, and neck lead to a diagnosis.
The best treatment depends on what’s causing the pain. A cavity needs to be filled. If the tooth can’t be saved, you may need an extraction. A tooth abscess must be drained. If the nerve is badly infected too, you may need a root canal. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. He may also recommend scaling and planing so your gums can heal.
Can You Prevent Throbbing Tooth Pain?
Not all tooth pain can be prevented. But taking care of your dental health helps cut down on problems. Your CitiDental of Woodhaven team recommends these tips to help prevent throbbing tooth pain:
- Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups, to catch risks before they turn into throbbing tooth pain.
- Floss and brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a dentist-recommended fluoride mouthwash for added protection.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and acid, since they wear away tooth enamel and help decay grow.
Follow your Queens dentist’s advice for healing well after treatment. This also helps prevent problems like this in the future.
718-865-8111