When your tooth hurts, the factor responsible could include a number of different issues, but is often linked to serious oral health concerns like tooth decay or dental infection. Which is why a toothache is often reason enough to talk to your Olathe, KS, general dentists. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about the benefits of preventive visits for aching teeth.
What Causes a Toothache?
In some cases, sinus or allergy issues/infections could cause temporary aches. You could also develop pain in one or more teeth as a result of changes in elevation, such as riding in an airplane, or due to a chill in the air. However, these aches will be short lived. If you have discomfort that has persisted for more than day, then you likely need to see us for an exam. A cavity forms when the outer enamel is weakened and bacteria reaches the sensitive inner teeth, which could cause sensitivity and aches. An infection could also be responsible which happens when decay causes bacteria to reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. Lack of treatment could cause these issues to grow more severe, leading to worsening discomfort and in extreme cases, even tooth loss.
Treatment Options
If we discover a cavity, then we will likely halt your discomfort with a dental filling. We remove decay from the tooth and then apply a metal-free composite resin, which we tint to blend with your smile. The restoration not only looks great, but brings a stop to cavities while protecting your tooth. If you have a more substantial case, or an infected tooth, then we may remove infected tissues before capping the tooth with a custom-made and natural-looking dental crown.
Preventive Care
What can you do to help prevent toothaches caused by cavities? First, be sure you brush your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. You should use a fluoride toothpaste each time, and make time to floss every night prior to going to sleep too. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks is also helpful, as these items could feed harmful bacteria and lead to tooth decay. Finally, make time to see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months. We diagnose cavities early, before you experience discomfort, and we also remove all plaque and tartar to prevent enamel erosion and cavities. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
We’re Ready to Improve Your Smile!
We’re here with preventive and general treatments, helping you maintain optimal oral health and avoid common complications. For more information on family dental care, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.