When patients experience a toothache, it is often due to damage of the tooth, either from a certain condition such as cavities or gum disease, or trauma to a tooth that impacts the nerves and blood supply. Pain from a toothache can be either mild to severe and anywhere in between, and should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Lenny Slepchik encourages patients to book an appointment with their dentist anytime changes occur to their mouth—or problems arise—between your visits with your hygienist for your cleaning and examination appointment..
What are the common causes of toothaches?
There are several reasons why a patient might experience a toothache. Below are a few of the more common causes:
- Cavities, or tooth decay, in one or more teeth
- Severe periodontal disease
- Trauma/ injury to a tooth
- Significant damage from trauma
- Dental abscesses
- Infections
- Tooth root sensitivity caused by exposure
- TMJ/TMD conditions (temporomandibular joint)
- Impacted teeth (typically the wisdom teeth/third molars)
How is tooth pain treated?
Depending on the cause of the tooth pain, specific treatments are recommended. Some options are available to patients based on their condition may include:
- The use of over-the-counter pain medications
- Extraction of impacted or severely damaged teeth beyond repair
- Topical fluoride applications for mildly sensitive teeth
- Fillings for smaller, shallower cavities
- Dental crowns for larger areas of decay
- Root canal therapy for patients with infected teeth or injured dental pulp
- Scaling and root planing for late stage periodontal disease
- Extraction of infected teeth followed by tooth replacement (dentures, bridges, or implants)
How do I determine the cause of a toothache or tooth pain?
The best way to find out the reason for discomfort in the smile is by calling a dentist for a thorough evaluation. Dr. Lenny Slepchik and his team in downtown Montreal can assist you. With a phone call, patients can schedule an appointment to be evaluated to determine the cause of their pain—and the best solution. Even if you are not a current patient, he can help you! Call (514) 875-7971 to request an emergency visit at 800 Boul Rene-Levesque O, Suite 310. Alternatively, patients can email the front desk at reception@smilesbydrslepchik.com.