Do you have sudden, sharp tooth pain? Is your tooth pain more like a dull ache? Contact our office for treatment. There are many possible causes of tooth pain, from dental injury to tooth decay. If you are unsure of the cause of your pain, or if you are sure of the cause but need treatment, it’s a good idea to call your local dentist in Boise, ID. Dentists can pinpoint the cause of tooth pain and find the right treatment option for your dental concerns.
Exploring Causes of Tooth Pain From Your Dentist in Boise, ID
There are multiple causes and treatment options if you experience dental pain:
Worn Tooth Enamel or Filling
Over time, the outer layer of the tooth, also known as the tooth enamel, can wear away, showing the dentin beneath. Dentin is an underlayer that is much more sensitive than the enamel. The discolored dentin can impact the aesthetics of the smile. You can also experience pain if you have an old, worn metal dental filling. Traditional dental fillings, in particular, can create sensitivity and pain because they are made of metal.
Tooth Decay
Dental decay begins when harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches on the teeth, producing digestive acids that break down the outer tooth enamel. Over time, patients who experience tooth decay feel sharp tooth pain and sensitivity. Visit our office, and we will take dental x-rays to see if you require a root canal, extraction, or other treatment.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis, or gum disease, begins with red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Other symptoms of gum disease include gum sensitivity, gum pain, and even receding gums. However, gum disease can also affect the teeth. If gum disease affects your teeth and gums, it’s important to visit a dentist for care. Deep cleaning treatments can remove harmful bacteria from the gums and tooth roots to prevent further symptoms like gum recession and inflammation.
Dental Injury
If you sustained a hit to your tooth, you could still feel pain after the fact for hours after your injury. Even if you haven’t broken or fractured your tooth, it’s important to apply a compress to your cheek and take pain medication. It can take about 6 weeks to heal after a dental injury.
Bruxism
Teeth clenching and grinding, or bruxism, often occurs unconsciously. Many patients with bruxism will clench or grind their teeth during sleep. Continous pressure on the teeth can eventually lead to tooth pain and wear. We often recommend a nightguard for patients to wear during sleep to prevent further wear to teeth. Wearing a nightguard also prevents increased pressure and strain on the teeth and jaw.
Are you unsure why you have tooth pain? Call LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at (208) 254-6365. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder online. We can help find the right treatment for your symptoms to help relieve your pain.