What is Dental pain?

When patients experience tooth pain, it’s usually the result of one of the following conditions:

• Cavities are the most common cause of tooth pain. Bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes enamel and causes cavities to form. When the cavity is left untreated, the decay can penetrate the inner layer of the tooth and reach the pulp, which is the soft substance inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. The pulp can become irritated when it is exposed to bacteria and the acid from the infection. This can lead to severe toothaches.
• A cracked tooth can cause extreme pain when biting down or chewing food. Cracks are most commonly caused by teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can cause the teeth to chip or crack. If left untreated, it can lead to an infection in the pulp and severe tooth pain.
• Gum disease causes irritation of the gum tissue and can lead to inflammation of the gums. Over time, this can lead to painful swelling of the soft tissue around your teeth and tooth loss due to loosened or lost teeth.
• A damaged filling can cause sensitivity and discomfort after biting down on something hard or hot.
• An abscessed tooth is caused by an infection that can form as a complication of tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the face. Abscesses are caused by pus that develops from infected areas in the mouth. These pockets of pus can form at the root of a tooth, causing extreme pain. It can also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.

If you have experienced any of the above dental issues, we can help! During a consultation at our practice, we can check for signs of the above conditions and suggest appropriate treatment.