How can I stop tooth pain fast?
The best thing for us to stop your tooth pain is for us to deal with the source of the pain. This generally involves you coming into our office so that we can evaluate what's going on. We can get some x-rays to see what's going on underneath the surface and identify where that problem is coming from. From there, we want to try to get you some treatment as soon as possible to get rid of that dental pain. If that's not an option, then the next best thing would be taking some medication, whether that's a prescription for a painkiller or some over-the-counter medication like extra strength Tylenol or Advil. These can help manage the pain in the interim.
What is the longest lasting solution for tooth pain?
The best option is to deal with the source of the pain. This involves us doing an exam to figure out exactly why that tooth pain is happening because there are many different reasons it could be occurring.
What are the most common dental reasons for tooth pain and how can a dentist help me find relief?
There are a few main reasons that people will have tooth pain. The most common is a very large cavity that's gone into the nerve of the tooth. Unfortunately, bacteria enter the tooth, causing severe toothache. Other common reasons include a crack in the tooth allowing bacteria into the nerve and severe gum disease resulting in bone loss around the tooth, leading to infection and pain.
What are some common non-dental reasons for tooth pain?
There are a couple, though not super common. One could be a sinus infection, which can mimic tooth pain in your top teeth when tapped. Another uncommon situation is pain in your lower left jaw, which could be a sign of a heart attack. This definitely needs to be checked out as soon as possible.
Why might I be experiencing a consistent dull toothache?
This usually means something is causing that pain, most commonly bacteria getting into the nerve of the tooth. Dental symptoms vary widely; even if you have a dull ache and someone else has a severe toothache, it could be due to the same reason: bacteria causing an infection. Sometimes the nerve can be infected without symptoms because the infection is draining somewhere in the mouth, often noticed as a little pimple in the mouth.
What should I do about extreme or unbearable tooth pain?
If you have extreme or unbearable tooth pain, call us right away. We'll try to get you in as soon as possible, ideally the same day, to examine the tooth and figure out what's going on. If our office is closed or you can't find a dental office, and the pain is unbearable, I recommend going to the emergency room at the hospital, preferably Health Sciences Centre where there are oral surgery residents to provide care. We don't want you to endure severe tooth pain.
Is it normal to experience tooth pain after some dental procedures?
Yes, it is common to have some pain or sensitivity. Any treatment is like a minor surgery on the tooth, and your body needs to recover from it. Part of the recovery process involves some sensitivity and pain as the nerve adapts to the filling or your body heals from a tooth removal. We try to manage this discomfort as best as possible, but it's unusual to have no symptoms at all after treatment.
What can be done if I am experiencing pain near dental implants, a bridge or dentures?
This varies based on the specific situation because many things can cause these issues. For dental implants, pain may indicate gum disease around the implant. With a bridge, it might be a simple adjustment of the bite or addressing a cavity underneath. For dentures, a slight adjustment might be needed. The best course of action is to call us, and we'll get you in to assess the situation.
What can I do at home to alleviate tooth pain?
If you can't see a dentist, the next best option is to take painkillers. I typically recommend over-the-counter extra strength Tylenol or Advil, depending on what works best for you. However, the best option is to come in so we can address the source of the pain. Medication is a short-term fix, and the pain will likely return after four to six hours.
Can a dentist help me find a permanent solution to tooth pain?
Absolutely, we can. We need to determine why you're having the pain, and then we can offer a variety of treatment options to address it and find a long-term solution.
How soon can I schedule an appointment to treat tooth pain?
At our office, we try to get you in either the same day or the next day to assess the situation. We may not always have time for permanent treatment immediately, but we can provide a prescription or temporary treatment to alleviate symptoms. We'll then schedule you for permanent treatment as soon as possible.
If you have further questions or are ready to take action, please call us at (204) 817-6768, and we'd be happy to help.