We often have patients come to our Chapel Hill dentist office complaining about tooth pain. Symptoms often vary widely from one individual to another and can have a variety of underlying causes. If you are experiencing tooth pain, is it important that you contact our Chapel Hill dentist office at your earliest convenience by calling 919.736.6175.
At your appointment, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will listen to your concerns. After a full mouth examination, they will design a treatment plan to alleviate your tooth pain and restore your dental health. This plan could involve any combination of general or restorative dentistry treatments depending on how severe the problem is.
Common Tooth Pain Symptoms
Sensitive Teeth
Most people have experienced momentary tooth sensitivity, often caused by hot or cold foods/drinks. For minor problems, patients may find it beneficial to switch to a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth to minimize or eliminate tooth pain symptoms.
Persistent tooth sensitivity that causes moderate or severe tooth pain can be a sign of tooth decay. Dr. Furgurson will examine the tooth and create a personalized treatment plan. A root canal is the most common procedure for dealing with this type of tooth pain. Dr. Miller will remove the inflamed or diseased tooth pulp and seal the tooth with a dental crown.
Jaw Pain
If your tooth pain is concentrated in the jaw or face, you may have a TMJ disorder. Tooth pain can be a result of pressure in the jaw joints and/or pressure from grinding or clenching teeth. Other symptoms of a TMJ disorder include headaches, earaches, jaw pops or clicks, lockjaw, or teeth grinding.
Pain When Chewing
If you experience tooth pain when you chew or bite, you could have a cracked tooth, broken crown, or loose filling. Another cause may be a tooth cavity. Dr. Furgurson will examine your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.
Constant or Severe Pain
If you have severe tooth pain or tooth pain that won’t go away, you may have severe tooth decay or an abscessed tooth, which can be a serious condition. An abscessed tooth is one that causes an infection to the tooth pulp as well as the surrounding gum and possibly bone. There is usually a pocket of pus present and severe inflammation. If you are experiencing this type of tooth pain, contact our Chapel Hill dental office for an appointment with Dr. Furgurson.
Treatment for Tooth Pain
The dentists at Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offer many treatments to help you find relief from your tooth pain. These treatments include:
For patients who avoid the dentist due to fear and anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry to help you receive the treatment you need.
Tooth Pain FAQs
How long does a toothache last without treatment?
Most toothaches go away after a few hours or days, but it can last up to a week. The sooner you treat a toothache, the quicker it will go away.
How do you stop a toothache?
The best way to prevent or stop toothaches is to brush your teeth twice daily. Practicing good oral hygiene keeps your mouth healthy and keeps bacteria that may cause toothaches out. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as soda and candy may also drastically help stop toothaches. Staying hydrated and drinking a lot of water throughout the day is a great way to relieve and prevent toothache pain.
How do you stop a tooth from throbbing?
The first step to take if your tooth is throbbing is to rinse with warm saltwater. This will soothe the area because salt draws out any bacteria that causes pain. Using a cold or warm compress on your cheek helps relieve throbbing. Patients may also take an OTC pain reliever to soothe throbbing.
Schedule a Dental Visit
Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is your one-stop shop for comprehensive dental care. We provide dental services for the whole family. Dentists in Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities refer patients to us for advanced dental treatments. Schedule a dental exam and consultation today.