Toothaches
Are You Suffering from a Toothache?
Find out more about the common causes of toothaches and how our experienced dental team can help.
What Is
A TOOTHACHE?
Within the hard structure of our teeth lies the softest tissue, made up of nerves and blood vessels called the dental pulp. The dental pulp is extremely sensitive to changes in its environment, from stimuli like extreme hot and cold beverages and impact from trauma, and especially to bacterial infection within the tooth structure, known as dental caries. As is well known, the most common cause of dental pain is dental caries, also known as tooth decay. Read below for some of the most common causes of toothaches!
Causes Of
A TOOTHACHE
While the level of pain from a toothache can vary according to its cause, the most common causes of toothaches are:
Dental decay or dental caries
This directly harms the tooth and sends stimuli to the pulp signalling that tooth damage is taking place. The pulp does what it can to fight the decay by constantly creating a thicker wall on its roof to prevent the decay from reaching its soft tissue. If left untreated, the rate of decay can outrun the rate of repair being carried out by the pulp, ultimately leading to a dental infection and the requirement for a root canal treatment.
Recurrent caries
Recurrent caries under an old filling can also cause the exact same phenomenon, so it is always best to have old fillings examined regularly and have them replaced if they are getting discoloured or are too old.
Cracked/fractured teeth
Cracked or fractured teeth also directly involve the pulp, where the crack or fracture could extend extremely close to or even directly within the pulp, leading to extreme pain either constant or stimulated. Ultimately, you may need root canal treatment or even tooth removal if the fracture is far beyond repair!
Gum disease
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can indirectly cause dental pain, as it involves inflammation and ultimately infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and underlying alveolar (jaw) bone. When the periodontal level reaches this point, any pressure on the teeth inadvertently causes pain and may make it difficult to chew with the affected teeth. The infection from the tissues can also travel down within the tooth-gum space and reach the dental nerve entering the root at the base, causing the pulp to become inflamed, infected and thus, requiring root canal treatment along with periodontal treatment! In the worst case scenario, the tooth reaches the point of not being salvageable.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess forms if a tooth infection penetrates through the surrounding bone and reaches the gum tissue, causing a swelling full of pus. This could occur within 24 hours of a tooth infection if severe, or become a chronic swelling with an open, draining sinus if left untreated for too long. In either case, root canal treatment is absolutely necessary!
Sinus infection
Surprisingly, even a sinus infection can cause toothaches. During sinusitis, there is immense pressure build-up within the sinuses which radiates into the surrounding sinus lining and bones, which also happen to make up the roof of upper maxillary teeth!
Grinding (Bruxism)/Clenching
If you are a patient who constantly grinds and clenches their teeth, it could lead to severe tooth wear and ultimately cause the nerves of your teeth to get exposed, causing severe sensitivity and toothaches. This condition is known as bruxism and requires immediate therapy and grinding appliances to control the habit.
TMJ Disorder (TMJD)
Bruxism not only damages the teeth, but it also affects the underlying jaw bones and can damage the periodontal tissues. Furthermore, it can cause immense pressure on the jaw joints, known as the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and cause TMJ Disorder (TMJD).
When Is It Time To Visit
THE DENTIST?
Toothaches can greatly vary according to their cause. You should schedule an appointment with our dentist if you experience any of the symptoms listed.
We also recommend scheduling a consultation even if you have a toothache that seems to go away on its own as it’s most likely that the underlying cause for it is still an active problem.
- Sharp, shooting pain caused by a stimulus
- Dull aches, pulsating, throbbing pain
- Continuous pain
- Spontaneous sharp pain
Treatment Options
IN WERRIBEE
At Wyndham Dental Solutions, we have a specialist team of dentists and dental hygienists to help you get to the bottom of your toothache and bring you immediate solutions for relief from the pain.
Some treatments we offer include:
TMJD treatment can vary depending on your condition and the specific symptoms experienced such as jaw pain, headaches and difficulty opening/closing your mouth. The choice of treatment will also depend on these. It’s vital to consult with one of our Werribee dentists to determine the most suitable plan for you.
Don't suffer from tooth pain any longer!
Repair Cavities
Root canal treatment
Periodontal therapy
Wisdom tooth extraction
Treatment of TMJD
Appliances to counter bruxism
Why Choose Wyndham Dental Solutions?
Whatever you need, we are there to find a solution and have you leave our clinic pain-free and smiling! At our clinic in Werribee, we have only experienced dental professionals and incredibly friendly staff ready to help your entire family with their dental concerns and goals. Utilising years of experience and advanced technology to help you, your smile couldn’t be in safer hands at Wyndham Dental Solutions. Schedule your consultation with us today!
