What to Do When Toothache Pain Strikes

A toothache can be caused by one or a combination of factors. Please note that this condition will not get better on its own and may worsen over time, especially when the causative factor is tooth decay. Therefore, instead of taking over-the-counter toothache relief medication and waiting for it to go away, it would be best to schedule a dental appointment.

Call and talk with one of our patient coordinators at (951) 244-9495 or schedule an appointment online now, before you need to consider a tooth extraction.

Toothache Pain Causes

Dr. Hauser is the Inland Empire’s most recommended dentist. With over 20 years in the dental industry, he has encountered toothaches caused by a diverse number of factors. Here are the most common ones:

• Tooth Decay

This could have been prevented with proper oral hygiene. However, please note that there are instances where the causative factors may include GERD, bulimia or a highly acidic diet.

• Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess can cause a significant amount of toothache pain. This usually occurs in lower teeth that have untreated caries, as this provides microorganisms with a point of entry.

• Gum Infection

Gum disease can be localized or generalized. Most people will have a harder time spotting localized gum problems. In cases where they are left untreated, a chronic infection may develop. This can cause tooth pain, especially when the infection has spread to the tooth’s nerve.

• Tooth Fracture

This may be caused by sudden blunt force trauma or over a period of time due to impaction and/or malocclusion.

• Excessive and Repetitive Force

Stress can wreak havoc on your teeth. This is why Dr. Hauser recommends night guards for people who gnash their teeth at night.

Please Avoid Self-Medication

Instead of going straight to the pharmacy for over-the-counter toothache relief drugs at the onset of a dental discomfort, it would be best to go see a dentist right away. Dr. Hauser warns his patients to avoid taking too much pain killers, as they can be addictive.

Studies also show that people who take pain relief medicine regularly will develop a higher tolerance to it, hence the possibility of addiction in the long run. In most cases, dental treatment is the only way to make the pain go away. It does nothing to treat the problem and by delaying treatment, a patient may develop secondary dental or medical conditions.

What Does a Dentist Do To Treat a Toothache?

Lakefront Family Dentistry is a private practice that prides itself in providing the best dental care in the area. Therefore, Dr. Hauser and his staff leave nothing to chance when it comes to dealing with toothaches.

To start, a thorough examination of the area is done. This will involve digital x-rays, a visual examination and manual palpation of the area. A brief medical history will be required to rule out all possible causes.

Once the causative factor is identified, Dr. Hauser will discuss the treatment plan with the patient before the procedure is done. He provides treatment options and allows a patient to choose one for which he or she feels most comfortable.

Toothache relief medication does not work on its own. To stop dental pain, you will need to go to a dentist who can properly identify and treat the problem. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hauser, you can go online or contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495.