Are you familiar with that sharp, throbbing pain in your mouth that just won't go away? We've all experienced it at some point – the dreaded toothache. It's an uncomfortable and often distressing sensation that can make even the simplest tasks unbearable.

Causes of Toothache Pain

Toothache pain can be excruciating, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or even concentrate on daily tasks. Understanding the causes of toothache pain is crucial in finding the right treatment to alleviate your discomfort.

• One common cause of toothache pain is dental decay. When bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack and erode the enamel, cavities form. These cavities can expose the sensitive nerves inside the tooth, leading to sharp or throbbing pain.
• Another culprit behind toothache pain is gum disease. This occurs when plaque buildup along the gum line causes inflammation and infection. As gums recede and pull away from teeth, they expose root surfaces which are highly sensitive to heat and cold.
• Sometimes, a cracked or fractured tooth can also trigger intense discomfort. Whether caused by trauma or biting down on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, these cracks can expose delicate nerve endings within dentin layers.
• Other possible causes of toothache include abscesses (pus-filled infections), impacted wisdom teeth pressing against neighboring teeth roots, sinus infections that refer to pain in upper teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) causing jaw joint-related discomfort.

Common Dental Treatments for Toothache Pain

When it comes to toothache pain, finding relief is a top priority. Fortunately, there are several common dental treatments that can help alleviate the discomfort and restore your oral health. Let's take a closer look at three of these treatments.

1. Root Canal Treatment: This procedure is often recommended when the tooth's pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or trauma. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the damaged tissue and clean out the root canals before sealing them with a filling material. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is relatively painless and can save your natural tooth.
2. Dental Fillings: If your toothache is caused by a cavity or minor damage, a dental filling may be all you need. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with a composite resin material that matches the color of your teeth. This not only relieves pain but also restores strength and functionality to the affected tooth.
3. Tooth Extraction: In some cases where severe decay or infection has compromised the overall health of the tooth, extraction may be necessary. While removing an entire tooth may sound intimidating, dentists perform extractions routinely using numbing agents to ensure minimal discomfort during the procedure.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Bencaz Family Dentistry, call (225) 665-2417 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 130 N. Hummell Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726.