If you have pain in one or more of your teeth, then this could definitely be a cause for concern. In today’s blog, we’re looking at how to avoid aches in your smile, and when you should schedule a visit with your Astoria, NY, dentist for an emergency treatment, such as a filling or a root canal. Better homecare habits mean healthier smiles!
Non-Cavity Causes
Often, minor toothaches and sensitivity could arise that pass after a few hours. These could be caused by issues like allergy or sinus problems, or changes in elevation (such as riding in airplane). However, these aches will pass after a day or in as little as a few hours. But when you have tooth sensitivity or toothaches that persist for 48 hours or more, then you may have an oral health issue that requires treatment.
When to Be Concerned
A cavity forms when the outer enamel has become weakened due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup, or damaged in an injury. Bacteria then reaches the inner dentin, which is sensitive, and causes a cavity. Over time, the cavity grows in severity and spreads through the teeth, eventually causing discomfort. Once the decay reaches the inner pulp, the tooth’s nerve center, an infection could arise that causes serious discomfort and could even lead to lost tooth unless addressed. If you any pain that doesn’t pass after a day or more, please let us know. We’re still offering treatment for dental emergencies, so we can treat the issue and restore the health and function of your smile.
Treatment and Preventive Steps
For a cavity, we may create and place a filling using a metal-free composite resin that can be shaded to match the color of surrounding tooth structure. The entire process only takes one visit to complete! If a tooth is infected, a root canal could allow us to remove the infected tissues from the tooth. We then cap it with a lifelike dental crown.
To reduce the risk of cavities or infection, be sure you continue to brush your teeth for two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste, when you wake up and once more before going to bed. We also suggest flossing each night before bed to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks as well! If you have any questions about avoiding cavities, or about our emergency treatment options, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Aching or Sensitive Teeth?
With better oral hygiene habits, you can help keep your smile free of discomfort. To learn more about avoiding pain in your smile, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
