Tooth Pain in Queens, NY
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What’s Causing Your Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain is your body telling you something specific is wrong. The type of pain you feel is actually a useful clue. Sharp pain when you bite down often points to a crack or decay. Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold suggests the nerve inside the tooth is irritated. A throbbing, persistent ache that keeps you up at night can mean the pulp, the tissue inside your tooth, is inflamed or infected. Common causes include:
- Wisdom tooth pain from teeth erupting without enough room.
- Tooth pain after a filling, which can linger for a few weeks as the tooth settles.
- Tooth nerve pain, often from an injury or deep decay reaching the pulp.
- Sudden pain when eating, which can mean a cracked or broken tooth.
- Extreme, persistent pain with swelling, which can signal a tooth infection or abscess.
- Tooth decay, the single most common cause of tooth pain.
When Tooth Pain Is a Dental Emergency
Most toothaches can wait for a regular appointment. But seek care right away if your pain comes with facial or jaw swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing. These can be signs of a spreading infection that needs prompt treatment.
Relief at Home Until Your Appointment
Rinse gently with warm water and floss around the tooth to clear out any trapped food. Then take acetaminophen or an NSAID like ibuprofen as directed on the label. Both are considered safe, effective options for short-term dental pain. Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks in the meantime. See a dentist as soon as you can. A toothache should always be checked out to find the real cause before it gets worse.
How We Diagnose and Treat Tooth Pain
At your visit, we’ll examine the tooth and take X-rays. This helps us find exactly what’s causing the pain, whether it’s decay, a cracked tooth, or signs of infection. Treatment depends on what we find. This could be a new filling for decay, a root canal if the nerve is involved, or in some cases an extraction if the tooth can’t be saved. Make an appointment at CitiDental of Woodhaven and we’ll help you get relief.
Sources: American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org · ADA Oral Health Topics
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Read More About Tooth Pain
What Causes Sudden, Sharp Tooth Pain?
Sharp pain that hits when you bite down usually means a crack, a cavity, or a loose or failing filling. Sensitivity that lasts more than 30 seconds after eating or drinking something hot or cold can mean the damage has reached the nerve inside the tooth. This may need a root canal to fix. Swelling alongside the pain often means an infection has set in and needs prompt treatment.
How Can I Relieve Tooth Pain at Home?
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to clear out anything trapped between the teeth. Acetaminophen or an NSAID like ibuprofen, taken as directed, is a safe and effective option for short-term dental pain. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if the area is sensitive. Home care can ease symptoms, but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause. See a dentist as soon as you can.
When Should I See a Dentist for Tooth Pain?
Any toothache that lasts more than a day or two should be checked out. It won’t go away on its own, and waiting can let a small problem become a bigger one. Get seen right away if you have facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing along with the pain. These can signal a spreading infection.
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