Toothaches – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options at Fletcher Dental Care

Toothaches

Toothaches are among the most common dental problems patients experience. Ranging from a mild, intermittent discomfort to severe, persistent pain, toothaches can significantly impact your daily life. At Fletcher Dental Care, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating toothaches effectively, providing relief while addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

What Causes Toothaches?

A toothache can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which may be mild, while others require immediate dental intervention. The most common causes include:

Tooth Decay: A toothache caused by decay happens when bacteria break down the enamel and dentin, eventually reaching the inner pulp of the tooth. This can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, and in advanced stages, persistent throbbing pain.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Inflammation and infection of the gums can lead to toothaches, especially if the gum recession exposes the tooth’s roots or if there’s an abscess (a pocket of pus) near the tooth root.
Dental Abscess: An abscess occurs when an infection develops at the root of the tooth or between the gum and tooth. This is often accompanied by swelling, fever, and intense, pulsating pain. A dental abscess requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Tooth Fracture or Damage: Teeth can crack or fracture due to trauma, biting hard objects, or untreated decay. This may expose the inner nerves, causing sharp pain when chewing or when exposed to temperature changes.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt or grow at odd angles, they can press on surrounding teeth, leading to pain and discomfort in the back of the mouth.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during sleep, can cause pressure on the teeth and the jaw, resulting in a dull toothache.
Sinus Infections: In some cases, the roots of your upper teeth can be affected by pressure from sinus congestion or infections, causing toothache-like symptoms. This is known as referred pain.

Toothache Symptoms to Watch For

Tooth pain can vary in intensity and duration. Common symptoms associated with toothaches include:

Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain in or around a tooth.
Pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Swelling around the tooth or jaw.
A foul taste in the mouth (which may indicate infection).
Fever or headaches associated with severe cases.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. The sooner we address the problem, the more likely we can prevent further damage or complications.

How Fletcher Dental Care Can Help You

At Fletcher Dental Care, we prioritise your comfort and wellbeing. Our expert team uses a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat toothaches, employing the latest in dental technology and techniques to ensure effective care. Depending on the cause of your toothache, we offer several treatment options:

Dental Fillings: If your toothache is caused by decay, we can remove the decayed portion of the tooth and restore it with a natural-looking filling to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.

Root Canal Therapy: For toothaches caused by an infection or damage to the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure removes the infected tissue, cleans the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection, preserving the tooth and relieving pain.

Tooth Extractions: In some cases, a severely decayed or damaged tooth may need to be removed. Our team will ensure a comfortable experience during the extraction, and we offer options for replacing the missing tooth afterward.

Periodontal Treatment: If gum disease is contributing to your toothache, we offer deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planning, to remove plaque and bacteria below the gumline and promote healing.

Management of Cracked Teeth: For teeth that are cracked or fractured, we can provide restorative solutions such as crowns or bonding, which protect the damaged tooth and relieve pain.

Emergency Care: Severe toothaches that come on suddenly or are accompanied by swelling may require emergency care. At Fletcher Dental Care, we strive to offer same-day emergency appointments to relieve your pain as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Fletcher Dental Care for Toothache Relief?

At Fletcher Dental Care, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, patient-centred care. Our modern dental practice is equipped with advanced technology to quickly diagnose and treat your toothache. Whether it’s a simple filling or a more complex root canal procedure, our goal is to restore your dental health and alleviate your pain as quickly as possible.

We also offer flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments for emergencies, so you don’t have to endure prolonged discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my toothache gets worse at night?

Toothaches often feel worse at night because lying down increases blood flow to the head, intensifying the pain. You can try propping your head up with pillows and taking over-the-counter pain relievers until you can visit the dentist.

How can I tell if my toothache is a sign of an abscess?

An abscess is often accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as swelling around the tooth or jaw, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth due to pus. If you suspect an abscess, it’s important to seek immediate dental care as infections can spread.

Can a sinus infection cause a toothache?

Yes, sinus infections can cause referred pain in the upper back teeth due to the proximity of the sinus cavities to the roots of these teeth. If you have sinus pressure or a cold along with your toothache, it may be sinus related.

How long should I wait before seeing a dentist for a toothache?

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you experience persistent tooth pain, especially if it lasts more than a day or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or discharge. Early treatment can prevent the issue from worsening.

What can I do to prevent toothaches in the future?

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups, can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues that cause toothaches.

Is it possible for a toothache to go away without treatment?

While a toothache may temporarily subside, especially if the pain is caused by a mild irritation or a lodged piece of food, it’s important not to ignore it. If the cause is decay or infection, the pain will likely return and worsen over time without treatment.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Let our caring team make your next visit effortless, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns—we’re here to support you every step of the way.