Toothache Causes And Symptoms

When someone is experiencing a toothache, they typically can't think of anything besides how to get rid of the pain. It can be a dominating and debilitating experience. The affected person must have a dental evaluation as soon as possible to determine the cause. Sometimes it may just be pain that comes and goes. Other times, the pain is indicative of a serious condition. The dentist will do a clinical exam and may take X-rays or perform other clinical tests to locate the origin of the toothache.

Usually, the best way to stop dental or jaw pain initially is with painkillers. A health care professional may prescribe antibiotics (such as amoxicillin) if there is swelling in the gums or face, or if the patient has fever. A referral to a dentist for follow-up will usually be arranged.

The doctor may try an injection of local anesthetic around the tooth for pain control. The dentist may apply a desensitizing varnish or fluoride treatment to help strengthen the tooth and seal up a part of the tooth that just might be sensitive.

It may be determined that a deep cleaning is necessary -- to remove harmful bacteria and plaque that have become trapped under the gumline. A patient may need feelings if a dentist finds dental decay. Deep decay or a fractured tooth may necessitate a crown or a root canal (cleaning out the nerve of the tooth and sealing the root). If the tooth is too badly decayed or broken, there may be nothing left to do but to extract the tooth. This will provide rapid relief of the tooth pain.

If it has been a while since the last dental visit, the dentist may find multiple factors contributing to the tooth pain. In this situation, the dentist will prioritize dental treatment in order of severity. The dentist will likely recommend procedures that will take care of the pain or infection first, followed by treatment to teeth that are likely to cause pain or infection, and a dental cleaning. The goal will be to provide immediate relief and then work to create an atmosphere of future health.

After most dental procedures, the patient will be able to return to work or school while he or she recovers. If causes other than the teeth or jaw are responsible for the pain, such as TMJ disorders, sinus infection, muscle or nerve problems, management will be according to the specific condition.

 Causes

Toothache and jaw pain are common complaints. It is not unusual for one to feel mild pain from pressure and hot or cold exposure to the tooth. However, if the pain is severe or persists for longer than 15 seconds after the pressure or temperature exposure ceases, then this could be an indication of a more serious problem. If there is severe inflammation of the tooth, the pain can radiate to the cheek, the ear, or the jaw. The signs and symptoms that might lead one to seek care include the following:

• Pain with chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold air and liquids
• Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
• Swelling around a tooth or swelling of the jaw or cheek
• Injury or trauma to the area

 These signs and symptoms may sometimes be associated with dental decay or gum disease (periodontal disease). Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth's gum line may point to the source of pain. If one taps an infected tooth, it may make the pain more intense. This sign may point to the problem tooth even if the tooth appears normal.

A toothache needs to be differentiated from other sources of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or throat pain, or an injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that attaches the jaw to the skull can be confused with toothache. Pain from a deeper structure (called referred pain) may be passed along the nerve and be felt in the jaw or tooth. In order to pinpoint the source of the pain and get relief, an evaluation by a dentist or doctor is appropriate.