Severe Toothaches
Also Serving Oakton, Burke, Vienna, & Surrounding Areas
Having a toothache can be frustrating, they come out of nowhere and sometimes you are not sure what is causing the tooth pain. A toothache is a pain in or around your tooth and can be caused by:
- Tooth decay – causes cavities
- Abscessed tooth – a pocket of pus that forms around the root of your tooth
- Tooth fracture
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
- Infected gums
Symptoms of a toothache may include (but are not limited to):
- Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant
- In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever or headache
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
- Possible ear pain
See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
- You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- Your toothache is severe
- You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the face and skull, and possibly even to the bloodstream. All of which can lead to even further issues and worse pain.
What are possible treatments for a toothache?
Treatment for a toothache will depend on what is causing the pain. If a cavity is causing the toothache. We will fill the cavity, or possibly extract the tooth if necessary (this will depend on the severity of the cavity). A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
Can toothaches be prevented?
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
We are here for you, no matter what your dental concerns. Our dentists love what they do and are dedicated to providing the best care to our patients, no matter when they may need it. If you are experiencing any form of dental trauma that necessitates immediate help and care, please contact us immediately. We are always happy to help.
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To find out if you are a qualified candidate for dental implants in Fairfax, VA or the surrounding areas, contact our dental team today. You can trust our experienced treatments to give you something to smile about.
To learn more whether restorative dental options like crowns and bridges suit your needs, call us at 703.249.6248 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.