Why does my Tooth keep Hurting?

Categories: General Dentistry

why does my tooth hurtSCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA

Pain is the way your body communicates that something isn’t right. When it comes to oral pain, the situation is no different. However, the severity of the pain can help determine the underlying cause and the treatments needed to repair the damage. The cause of a hurting tooth can vary depending on the stimuli. Therefore, your Scotts Valley friendly dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share different reasons why your tooth may be hurting and the necessary treatment to stop your pain.

Cause #1: Sensitive to Temperature

In most cases, the pain is temporary and could signal a minor problem with your tooth, such as a small area of decay, a loose filling, or an exposed tooth root from gum recession or abrasion.

What to do: Keeping your gum line and teeth clear of bacterial plaque can help reduce pain and advancement of the condition. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. Finally, schedule an appointment with your professional dentists in Los Gatos at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for an exam, x-rays, and treatment.

Cause #2: Sensitive After Treatment

Dental work can cause pain and inflammation. You may notice some sensitive areas depending on the type of work performed.

What to do: Normally, pain after treatment subsides within a few days. Typically, over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to manage discomfort from dental procedures, even extractions. If the pain intensifies, contact your leading Santa Cruz dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for an exam as you may need additional treatment.

Cause #3: Sharp Pain While Chewing

Sharp pain while chewing could be from decay, a loose filling, or a cracked tooth.

What to do: Loose fillings are easily repairable with a new restoration, and a cracked tooth typically responds well to a dental crown. No matter the cause of the pain, it is recommended that you see a dentist for any of these conditions. Ignoring a zing of pain every time you bite will only get worse.

Cause #4: Lingering Pain After Eating

Pain that lingers long after eating could be a sign of an infection. If the decay is left untreated, it could advance in severity, possibly causing partial or whole tooth loss resulting in the need for an extraction.

What to do: The intense sensitivity and pain are the result of bacteria build-up, which could result in a life-threatening abscess. Fortunately, your experienced Los Gatos dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can treat the tooth using a root canal treatment by removing the decay and restoring functionality with a crown.

Cause #5: Ache and Pressure on Your Upper Teeth

Since the human body links together, the pain may emanate from your sinuses since your back teeth, and your sinus cavity shares the same nerves. The pain could also be a symptom caused by bruxism, the act of clenching, and grinding your teeth.

What to do: Bruxism could be caused by TMJ disorder, which requires treatment by a neuromuscular dentist in Scotts Valley. Wearing a custom nightgurad could help relieve pressure on your jaw joints. Once your ideal bite alignment has been determined, you should experience lasting pain relief.

Cause #6: Constant Pain

No matter how intense, constant pain is an obvious sign of an acute infection. You must seek treatment to prevent the infection from entering your bloodstream, as it may be fatal.

What to do: A root canal removes the infection and the tooth’s pulp. Of course, that requires the skilled hands of your Scotts Valley professional dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry to both diagnose and treat your source of constant pain.

Emergency Dentists in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California

Tooth pain is usually a sign that your oral health is compromised. Although there are various causes and treatments, the common theme is that you seek immediate dental care when you have tooth pain. If you are having a pain of any sort, feel free to contact your family-friendly Los Gatos dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for an appointment today by calling (831) 438-4411 or scheduling an appointment online now.