Toothaches: Pain, Causes, and Treatment

Tooth abscesses, fractures, damaged fillings, and tooth decay can cause toothaches. The pain may be sharp, constant, or throbbing. Symptoms of toothaches may be accompanied by swelling around the teeth. When toothaches strike, it's important to have an experienced, compassionate dentist to turn to.

A toothache should be treated immediately because it can be a sign of infection. A tooth's root canal is comprised of blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. When a tooth becomes damaged, an infection can develop, and the body reacts with an inflammatory response. Tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, and tender gums are all symptoms of infection.
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Toothaches lead as one of the most common dental emergencies. If a toothache lasts longer than a day, an earache develops or opening the mouth becomes painful, it is important to contact the team at Social Circle Dental. Left untreated, an infection can spread to the face and skull or enter the bloodstream. 

At your appointment, Dr. Jones will review your medical history and examine the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. He may ask when the pain started and what makes it better or worse, and then take x-rays. After the cause of the toothache is determined, Dr. Jones will devise a treatment plan with you.

​Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache. If tooth decay is the reason for the pain, Dr. Jones may recommend a dental filling with a biocompatible material called composite resin. If an infection has developed in the dental pulp, a root canal may be recommended. A root canal can save the natural tooth as well as provide pain relief. Regardless of the cause of the toothache, Dr. Jones will explore the most conservative, safest, and most effective treatment to restore health, function, and beauty to your smile.

Have you experienced any symptoms of a tooth infection? If you have, do not delay treatment. Dr. Jones and the team at Social Circle Dental can help. Call 770-464-1900 today to schedule an appointment.