Throbbing tooth pain can affect just about everything you do. The intensity of a throbbing tooth can make it uncomfortable to eat, talk, sleep or focus on anything else. Fortunately, your family dentist at Albany County Dental Associates has procedures for you and your family for emergencies such as when severe tooth pain strikes.
When you have throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes, you might be able to control it for a period of time. Take over-the-counter pain medicine and use warm compresses until you can get to your Albany-area dentist. Don’t put it off.
There are several possible causes of a throbbing tooth. When you have severe pain from a throbbing tooth, it may be considered a dental emergency. Some things that cause severe pain in a tooth include:
If you have throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes, you may be in the early stages of tooth decay or gum disease. While tooth pain may come and go, it’s especially important to see your dentist right away if your tooth pain is accompanied by fever or facial swelling.
According to the Mayo Clinic, throbbing pain can be caused by an abscess, which is defined by a pocket of pus, usually caused by some type of bacterial infection. An abscess can develop in different parts of a tooth and for a variety of different reasons.
Common symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
You’ll know if an abscess ruptures if you experience a sudden rush of foul-tasting fluid in your mouth. The salty, bad-smelling taste usually is then followed by pain relief because the pressure has been released.
The more severe your tooth pain, the more quickly you need to see your Albany County dentist. As part of the exam, you may need x-rays. Your dentist examines your mouth, teeth, gums, jaw and neck. Answer any questions, such as:
Treatment for throbbing tooth pain is based on what’s causing it. If you have a cavity, all you may need is a filling. If the tooth is in bad shape, it may need to be extracted. An abscess needs to be drained, and if the tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected, you may need a root canal. Any type of infection may require antibiotics. For gum disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and planing to help your gums heal.
Failure to take good care of your teeth and gums increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, abscesses and dental infections. While not all tooth pain can be prevented, taking good care of your oral health reduces the number of dental problems you’re likely to have. Some tips to help prevent toothaches include:
Consider cosmetic dentistry solutions if you’re prone to tooth problems, such as veneers that provide a sheer layer of enamel protection, orthodontic treatment if your teeth are too close together creating hard-to-reach places where bacteria grow. Get implants to replace weakened teeth.
You don’t have to visit any other dentist either, because Albany County Dental Associates offers these and other cosmetic solutions for your dental health and appearance. Your dentist can treat throbbing tooth pain while helping you prevent future problems.