Do you have pain or sensitivity in one or more of your teeth? If so, this could be an indicator of a serious oral health problem. Without treatment, your discomfort could worsen, along with the risks to your smile. What does a toothache mean? When should you see the dentist for treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothaches
Question: Is an aching tooth a sign of cavities?
Answer: In many cases, an aching tooth is an indicator of tooth decay. We can examine your tooth to look for the presence of decay. If we see any indicators of cavities we can recommend treatment, such as a tooth-colored dental filling or possibly even a ceramic dental crown.
Question: Could this also mean an infection?
Answer: Without treatment, a cavity can grow until bacteria comes into contact with the inner pulp, leading to an infection. In the early stages, your tooth could ache. Later, you could experience pain when eating or biting down. In addition, you could also notice fever or swelling near the tooth. Don’t ignore these issues, as untreated infection could mean losing the tooth.
Question: What are other causes of a toothache?
Answer: Pain in your teeth isn’t limited to just cavities and infection. You may develop discomfort if you grind your teeth. In addition, a chipped or cracked tooth could be a factor behind your pain. For teeth grinding, we can recommend an oral appliance. For a damaged tooth, we can use a crown or veneer to restore it.
Question: When should I see the dentist?
Answer: You should see the dentist if you notice any discomfort that doesn’t stop after 48 hours. For example, a sinus problem causing a toothache will disappear after a few hours. But if 48 have passed, then you likely have an oral health concern, such as a cavity.
Do You Have a Toothache?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can diagnose and treat the causes of your discomfort. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
