Categories: General Dentist

What a General Dentist Does for a Toothache

A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache.

A thorough dental exam

Each toothache is different. That is why the general dentist will treat each one based on its main cause. Some aches result from minor irritation. Others involve nerve issues.

The dentist will first do a physical dental exam to assess the tooth. Ordering dental X-rays will help determine if there are any hidden causes to consider. Asking the patient about any current medical condition or medication can help form a diagnosis. Only then will the general dentist begin the treatment.

Dental filling

The general dentist will drill away the decayed tooth if there is already some cavity formation. Placing dental fillings in the holes will follow. A curing light will harden the fillings and keep them in place. Shaping and polishing the fillings will follow. This will ensure a comfortable bite. It will also help the fillings blend well with the dental structure.

Fluoride treatment

Holes or cavities develop when tooth decay worsens. Trapped food particles in the holes cause pain. Fluoride treatment from a general dentist can reverse the damage that results from tooth decay in its early stages. This natural element can repair the enamel. It can even protect the teeth by making them more cavity-resistant.

Tooth extraction

Severe tooth decay or damage can reach the deepest parts of the tooth. The general dentist will assess the tooth if the damage or infection has gone beyond the gumline. Repairs may not be enough anymore. Removing the tooth will help stop the spread of infection and the pain. Discussing possible tooth replacement types can help the patient decide which one will suit the individual the most.

Root canal

The goal of this treatment is to keep the dental structure intact. Removing the infected or damaged pulp will follow after making an opening in the tooth. Cleaning, disinfecting, and drying the pulp chamber will come next. The general dentist will fill the chamber with gutta-percha, which will stabilize the tooth. Placing a custom dental crown over the treated tooth will protect and strengthen it.

Preventing a toothache

This condition can happen to anyone at any given time. Dental damage causes pain, which differs in severity. Stopping the pain is a priority. Dismissing it will allow the damage to worsen. The ideal way to prevent dental damage is to care for one’s teeth. Below are some tips on how to keep toothaches at bay:

  • Drink more water to buffer the bacterial acids in the mouth. Take in non-acidic foods as well.
  • Floss every day to get rid of the plaque and food particles between teeth.
  • Seeing the dentist every six months will enable the patient to get professional dental cleaning. The general dentist will floss, scale, and brush using more advanced tools.
  • Brushing for two minutes, two times a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, can remove food particles and plaque.
  • Limit one’s sugar intake. This will prevent bacteria from feasting and releasing acids that destroy the enamel.
  • Reduce one’s intake of acidic drinks and foods. Acidic foods can erode the enamel.

Providing pain relief

The general dentist can prescribe analgesics that can reduce pain. Many formulations can target different levels of tooth pain. Opioid analgesics need a prescription to treat moderate to severe pain. Non-opioid analgesics can treat moderate tooth pain even without a prescription. The difference is that non-opioid pain relievers are not addictive.

Causes of toothaches

Each tooth contains a dental pulp that holds blood vessels and nerves, as well as connective tissues. Pressure and pain can begin when there is irritation in the pulp. The general dentist will determine the main cause of the tooth pain. Below are the common culprits:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding
  • Gum disease
  • Dental fracture
  • Tooth pulp inflammation
  • Impacted tooth
  • Abscess

Seeing a general dentist

A toothache causes intense discomfort. An individual can lose focus. The pain can even deprive the individual of proper rest. However, a toothache may be a symptom of a much more serious dental condition, such as an infection. This can manifest through gum inflammation, earache, and fever. This is the right time to see the general dentist.

Your general dentist can help get rid of a toothache with the right treatment

Dental pain can cause your entire body to feel bad. That is why resolving it is vital. The treatment for your toothache will depend on its cause. Working with your general dentist will allow you to achieve relief and better dental health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.cdcdentalcenter.com or call CDC Dental Center at (818) 578-2325 for an appointment in our North Hollywood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in North Hollywood, CA.

Related Posts

What To Expect When Getting Digital X-rays From A General Dentist

Everyone should visit the general dentist twice a year. At these visits, the dentist can catch any oral health issues and treat them before they become more serious. During the visits, usually once a year, you will need x-rays to check on the parts of your mouth that your dentist can’t see with the naked…

What Does A General Dentist Do During A Check Up Exam?

A general dentist focuses on understanding and treating a broad range of oral health issues. When most people think about going to the dentist, it is a general practice dentist that they have in mind.According to the CDC, about 63% of adults aged 18 and over visited the dentist in the past year. In children…

At Home Remedy And Relief For A Toothache

If you are suffering from a toothache, the first thing you need to do is find out the cause of the pain and discomfort. If you know what is causing the pain, you will learn how to relieve that pain. You will also see if it comes with swelling and other symptoms. Keep reading to…

How Often Should You Get A Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Not only does it help to remove built-up plaque and tartar, but it can also help to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. But how often should you get a deep cleaning? This blog post will discuss the recommended frequency of…

CDC Dental Center

Share
Published by
CDC Dental Center

Recent Posts

3 Cosmetic Dental Services to Improve Your Smile

Cosmetic dental services combine art and science in transforming your smile. The processes available also…

6 days ago

Popular Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dental services are procedures people turn to when they want to improve the way…

2 weeks ago

3 Signs Your Tooth May Need a Root Canal

Oral care is essential for overall health and wellness. You should not let tooth pain…

3 weeks ago

What to Know Before Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures

Full mouth reconstruction is a personalized treatment plan that involves a series of procedures that…

3 weeks ago

When to Consider Cosmetic Dental Services

If you are tired of imperfections in your smile, there is a way to improve…

3 weeks ago

Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for You?

Cosmetic dental services have treatments that can target specific dental issues. Each one aims to…

1 month ago