What Your Toothache Could Be Trying To Tell You

Does your tooth hurt? Multiple factors could cause pain to develop in a tooth, but the cause may often be related to oral health troubles. You should never ignore a toothache and instead, should contact your Tucson, AZ, dentist. By addressing the issue early, we can prevent complications and protect the health and beauty of your smile. Let’s find out what your toothache could be trying to tell you.

Tooth Decay and Infected Teeth

A cavity forms when the outer layer of tooth enamel, which typically protects your tooth, becomes compromised. Poor oral hygiene could weaken the enamel and cause erosion, exposing the sensitive inner tissue and allowing cavities to form. If you damage a tooth, such as a chip or fracture, again tooth decay could arise. When patients attend routine six-month checkups and cleanings, we usually catch cavities in the early stages, before you experience pain. Otherwise, you may not know you need treatment until you experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches that don’t pass after 48 hours. If the cavity remains unaddressed, the decay grows worse and enables bacteria to reach the inner pulp, leading to an infected or abscessed tooth and over time, a greater risk of tooth loss!

Injury and Bruxism

If you sustain an injury but don’t notice any obvious damage, you should still see us for an exam. Dental fractures are often practically invisible to the naked eye. Without treatment, aches could arise, accompanied by decay or infection.

Pain in your teeth could also indicate the presence of bruxism. The disorder occurs when patients regularly grind or clench their teeth at night. Over time, the constant pressure wears down tooth enamel or even cracks or chips the tooth. The damage again exposes the inner structures and leads to painful aches and sensitivity.

Restoring Your Smile

When you see us for pain in your teeth, we perform a thorough examination using advanced technology, such as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We then obtained detailed pictures of your overall oral health. After examining the teeth for signs of decay, wear, or friction, we can offer a solution. For cavities, we may recommend a filling. Dental fillings and crowns often repair cracks and chips. For teeth grinding, we may repair the teeth with a restoration and use an oral appliance to prevent further damage to the teeth.

Don’t Ignore That Aching Tooth!

Talk to our team if you begin to experience regular pain in your tooth. For more details on our preventive and restorative procedures, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.