4 Dental Treatments For Tooth Pain
Posted on: 9 February 2022
A toothache can make it hard to concentrate. Unfortunately, most toothaches don't go away on their own. Instead, they need dentist intervention. The right remedy for your toothache will depend on its cause. Fortunately, dentists have many tools and techniques at their disposal. Here are four ways that your dentist can treat your toothache:
1. Prescription Toothpaste
When you visit your dentist complaining of a toothache, they will perform a thorough exam to determine the cause. Often, toothaches are caused by tooth decay. However, pain can also be caused by tooth sensitivity. Some people have teeth that are naturally more sensitive than others. Additionally, some treatments, such as teeth whitening treatments, can enhance sensitivity. In this case, your dentist may prescribe special toothpaste for you to use. Prescription toothpaste is high in fluoride, which can help to remineralize your tooth enamel. Prescription toothpaste can also contain active ingredients that will reduce tooth sensitivity.
2. Dental Fillings
In other cases, your toothache may be caused by tooth decay after all. Plaque can eat away at tooth enamel, creating cavities in the teeth. These cavities allow bacteria to enter your tooth, causing pain. Dentists can treat these toothaches using dental fillings. Before placing a dental filling, your dentist will first use a dental drill to remove decayed enamel and dentin from your teeth. Next, your dentist will place an amalgam filling or composite resin filling into your cavity and harden the material using blue light.
3. Dental Crown
Over time, your teeth can become worn from constant chewing. People who grind their teeth at night or during the day may experience this type of wear sooner than others. Excessive teeth grinding can wear down your enamel to the point that your nerves are exposed. This can cause severe tooth pain. If your enamel is worn away, your dentist can protect your tooth and stop your pain using a dental crown. Dental crowns are made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both materials. A dental crown is designed to fit over a weakened tooth in order to protect it.
4. Root Canal Therapy
At times, tooth decay may penetrate the pulp of your teeth. This can cause infections that must be treated with antibiotics. However, the decay must also be dealt with to prevent future infections. A dentist like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA can treat deep tooth decay using root canal therapy. After cleaning out your root canals and filling them with a rubber-like substance, your dentist will cap your tooth with a crown to protect it.
Share