A toothache can be a debilitating dental emergency that makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate on daily tasks. There are different treatment options for toothache pain relief, but choosing the right one for your oral health is vital.
If you are unsure about which toothache pain relief treatment is right for you, consult with your emergency dentist today.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Some common causes of tooth pain include:
- Cavities. They are caused by acid erosion of your tooth enamel. When cavities are small, they may not cause discomfort. However, as they grow larger, they can lead to severe tooth decay that affects the dental pulp and cause a constant throb or intermittent sharp pain.
- Gum disease. It is an infection of the gums that causes inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Left untreated, it can cause gum recession, deepening periodontal pockets and allowing bacterial growth. This can lead to a severe infection called periodontitis.
- Tooth fracture. A tooth fracture can occur due to trauma or biting on hard objects and can cause sharp, shooting pain due to exposed dental nerves.
- Tooth sensitivity. It occurs when the inner dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. This can happen due to acid erosion, chips, cracks, or general wear and tear. Sensitive teeth can be painful when exposed to hot or cold temperatures or acidic or sugary foods.
Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Tooth pain is often a sign of a dental emergency. If the pain is accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness, it is critical to seek urgent medical attention as this could signify a serious infection or some other dental emergency.
This requires immediate dental treatment if the tooth is broken or cracked below the gum line or if the pulp is exposed.
Home Remedies for Temporary Toothache Pain Relief
If you have a toothache, you may be looking for ways for quick toothache pain relief. Several home remedies can help alleviate pain temporarily until you can see an emergency dentist:
- Use over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. This can help to remove irritants, eliminate bacteria, and reduce swelling.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek intermittently for 15 minutes on and off to numb the area. Ensure you wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to avoid damaging your skin.
- A chilled peppermint tea bag can help soothe the pain. Peppermint contains menthol, which offers a cooling effect, while phytochemicals found in peppermint essential oils have been shown to have antibacterial properties.
What is the Best Way to Get Toothache Pain Relief?
The best way to get toothache pain relief is to visit an emergency dentist for a check-up. The dentist can discuss several treatment options with you, depending on the cause of your tooth pain:
- If you have a cavity, the dentist may recommend a filling. They will remove necrotic tissue and fill the cavity with tooth-coloured composite resin.
- For a cracked tooth, the dentist may prescribe a dental crown. After preparing the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel, the dentist takes impressions which are sent to a lab where your crown is made from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or composite resin. The crown is cemented in place at a second appointment.
- If you have an infection, you may need a root canal. Your dentist will open the tooth crown and remove the infected pulp. After disinfecting and smoothing the root canals, they are filled with gutta-percha and a composite filling. You may also need a dental crown on top.
- For a dental emergency like an abscess, you need surgical abscess drainage and a root canal or tooth extraction.
Visit an Emergency Dentist at Total Care Dental Studio
At Total Care Dental Studio, we understand that dental emergencies can happen anytime. That’s why we offer emergency dental services on weeknights and set aside time each day to accommodate urgent treatments. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain, have a chipped tooth, lost a filling, or have a loose dental crown, our experienced team of dentists can help.
For more information about our emergency dental services, contact us on (07) 3186 8517 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
What is gum disease?
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gum-disease
Dental injury
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-injury
