Is a toothache a reason to visit the dentist?

There is little else as annoying and uncomfortable as a toothache. The problem is that if the toothache isn’t properly treated then whatever is causing you pain will often get worse. This is why all toothaches should be treated as an emergency. Don’t worry; our Long Beach, CA, dentist Dr. Douglas Wall can help you get the care you need to handle and treat your oral and facial pain.

Tooth Pain is an Emergency Situation 

You might be surprised to discover that a toothache is considered a dental emergency. Unlike musculoskeletal injuries, which will heal on their own with rest and proper care, a tooth isn’t going to heal itself. There are many reasons why a tooth may hurt, but the only way to tell what’s actually causing it is to see your dentist. If your tooth hurts, here’s what might be going on,

It’s a cavity 

Decay eats away at the enamel, eventually leading to a cavity. While some people may have a cavity and not notice it, the most common symptom is tooth pain and sensitivity. If you also notice a dark spot on the tooth, this is another sign of a cavity.

You need a root canal

Whether from a cavity or traumatic injury to a tooth, if bacteria can get inside the tooth it can infect the nerve and tissue inside. When this happens the only way to treat the problem is to remove the nerve and diseased tissue through root canal therapy.

You may have a cracked tooth 

While teeth are incredibly durable, wear and tear or injury can cause teeth to crack or break. Sometimes this will happen and you won’t even be able to see visible damage, but if you notice sudden dental pain that gets worse when biting or chewing or sudden tooth sensitivity, then you could be dealing with a cracked tooth.

You’re a teeth grinder

Are you guilty of grinding your teeth at night? If so, you could be dealing with both oral and facial pain during the day. Our Long Beach, CA, general dentist can easily tell whether you’re a teeth grinder by simply looking at wear and tear on your teeth. If you are dealing with a popping jaw, jaw pain, and frequent headaches, talk with your dentist about ways to alleviate teeth grinding complications.

Don’t put off getting the treatment you need if you are dealing with oral or facial pain. Our Long Beach, CA, dentist, Dr. Wall provides urgent and same-day appointments for those dealing with toothaches and other emergency dental problems. To schedule an appointment, call us at (562) 597-1414.