Few people look forward to the types of procedures often required to resolve a toothache. Prevention, through proper dental hygiene and regular, professional exams, is always a better option. But, it is good to know that, if necessary, dentists can treat nearly all cases of toothaches, regardless of the cause.
Causes
Toothaches most often result from decay. The pain begins when the cavity extends all the way through the enamel to the pulp, according to the Merck Manuals. Other potential reasons for tooth pain include pulpitis, which is an inflammation of the pulp that can stem from decay. Pulpitis can also result from defective restorations and other factors, such as trauma and nerve damage.
Types
To get proper treatment, you must describe precisely the pain you are feeling. Sharp pain that comes and goes suggests a cavity. Chronic or throbbing pain, pain that occurs only when you eat, and pain localized to the back of the jaw all hint at other causes, explains the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The combination of your description and a thorough exam will allow your dentist to identify the cause and get you feeling better.
Home Care
A toothache generally merits treatment from a dentist. But, until you can get in to see a professional, you can ease the pain at home. Rinsing with warm water can have a soothing effect. Oral over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also make the situation more bearable. Also available without a prescription are benzocaine antiseptic products that you can place directly on the irritated area for pain relief.
Dental Treatment
Standard treatment for cavities that are still in the fairly early stages involves drilling out the decay and filling the resultant space with silver amalgam, a composite resin or other material. Decay that has reached deeper levels, harming the pulp, requires more extensive procedures, such as a root canal or extraction, states the Merck Manuals. A dentist can replace the newly absent tooth with a bridge, crown or implant.
Warning
Sometimes what seems like a toothache is, in fact, something else. A sinus infection, for example, can cause pain that seems to emanate from the upper molar teeth. Jaw or cheekbone soreness can indicate temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition causing problems with jaw motion. And, pain in the left jaw can signal a heart attack, warns the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. It is best not to ignore a toothache.
