Understanding Dental Pain: Causes And Effective Treatments
At Align Dental Surgery, we understand how debilitating dental pain can be for our patients. That's why we offer a range of treatments and procedures to help alleviate dental pain related to the teeth, gums, and jaw.
dental pain CAUSES
There can be various causes of dental pain, and it's essential to identify the root cause to provide effective treatment.
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This is one of the primary reasons for toothaches. When bacteria in plaque feed on sugars from food and produce acids, it can erode the tooth's enamel, causing decay.
Severe tooth decay can lead to excruciating pain, particularly at night, as the bacteria penetrate into the nerve, triggering inflammation. This discomfort serves as a clear indication that a root canal treatment is necessary to address the issue effectively.
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This is a condition where a tooth has a crack or fracture that's not visible to the naked eye. The crack can cause sharp discomfort while chewing, especially with hard foods, and sometimes even when consuming hot or cold food and drinks.
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Wisdom teeth are the last molars that emerge at the back of the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 21. As they grow, they can cause pain if there isn't enough room in the jaw for them to come out correctly. In such cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary to alleviate discomfort.
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When plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, it can lead to gingivitis or gum disease. In its early stages, it may cause mild discomfort, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums recede from the teeth, exposing sensitive nerves. In advanced stages, it can result in gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
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This is a pocket of pus that forms inside the tooth or in the gums due to a bacterial infection. It can cause severe throbbing pain and swelling, often requiring emergency dental treatment.
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Clenching or grinding teeth, particularly at night, can cause jaw pain and headache, among other symptoms. Over time, it can lead to tooth fractures and damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Dental PAIN TreatmentS
The type of treatment recommended for dental pain will depend on its underlying cause.
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For mild to moderate tooth decay, we can clean the cavity and fill it with a suitable material like composite resin or amalgam. Read more about Dental fillings here.
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If gum disease is causing dental pain, we may recommend scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and roots.
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If wisdom teeth are causing pain or other complications, we may recommend extracting them to prevent future problems. Wisdom tooth surgery is typically done under anaesthesia, and we offer post-operative care to help you recover quickly.
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In advanced stages of gum disease, we may need to perform surgical procedures like flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts to address the issue effectively.
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When tooth decay reaches the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp, it can cause severe pain. In such cases, we may recommend root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
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In cases where a tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved through other treatments, we may recommend extracting it. We use modern techniques and anaesthesia to make this procedure as painless as possible.
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For patients with bruxism, we may recommend wearing a custom-made mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage due to grinding and clenching.
Preventing Dental Pain
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to dental pain. To avoid experiencing dental pain, we recommend:
Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly can prevent most dental issues.
Limiting sugary foods and drinks: By reducing your sugar intake, you can help prevent tooth decay.
Wearing protective gear during sports: If you play contact sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from potential injuries.
Make A DENTAL Appointment
Dental pain can be excruciating and impact your daily life. At Align Dental Surgery, our team of experienced dentists - Dr Alexia Kwan, Dr Krushna Reddy and Dr Priyanji De Silva, is dedicated to providing effective treatments for all types of dental pain. Don't suffer in silence – book an appointment with us today to get relief from your dental pain. Remember, a healthy smile starts with good oral health! Together we can work towards preventing dental pain and keeping your smile happy and healthy for years to come. Keep smiling!
Dr Krushna Reddy
Dr Krushna Reddy is a highly experienced dentist with expertise in pain management, dental implants, and root canal treatment. With a Master's degree in Pain Management from the University of Wales, UK, she has a deep understanding of dental pain pathways and its management. With over 20 years of experience, she is skilled in placing and restoring implants and utilises microscopes for precise root canal treatments.
Read more about Root Canal Treatment.
