What's Causing My Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain is often one of the first signs of an oral health problem. If you're experiencing tooth pain, it's important to see a dentist to determine the cause. Restorative dentistry treatments can help repair dental damage, which is a common underlying cause of dental pain. We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Drs. Craig and Marcy Goldin to determine the cause of your tooth pain and the best course of action for treating your dental issues. To learn more about the causes of tooth pain, contact our Troy, MI practice.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain is generally a sign of a dental issue and if ignored, may lead to severe oral health problems. If you experience tooth pain, you may be suffering from one or more of the following causes of tooth pain.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of dental pain. Tooth decay can develop as a result of plaque and tartar buildup. This is because plaque and tartar contain bacteria, acid from bacterial digestion, and food remnants. If left on the teeth, the acid from the bacteria will erode the teeth, causing tooth pain.
- Root canal infection: Root canal infections occur when bacteria reach the inner pulp and nerve tissue within the root canal. Root canal infections are often caused by tooth decay or dental injuries.
- Enamel erosion: Enamel erosion occurs when the outer layer of the teeth, the enamel, is worn away either from acidic foods or from friction. Friction may result due to chronic teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, or aggressive tooth brushing. If left untreated, enamel erosion can cause increased dental sensitivity and may lead to tooth decay.
- Dental fractures: Dental fractures, including small chips or large breaks, can be painful and they increase the risk of tooth decay and root canal infections.
- Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding puts great pressure on the teeth, leading to tooth pain. Teeth grinding can also wear down the enamel and cause tooth pain.
Treating Tooth Pain
Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help alleviate tooth pain. The proper treatment will depend on the needs of the patient and require a thorough dental examination to pinpoint the cause of dental pain. Some possible treatments for tooth pain include:
- Root canal therapy: Root canal infections can be treated with root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is used to physically remove the infected pulp and nerve tissue to alleviate tooth pain. After root canal therapy, a dental crown is typically placed over the affected tooth.
- Tooth-colored dental fillings: Tooth-colored fillings are an aesthetically pleasing option that can treat tooth decay and prevent further dental damage.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns are beneficial for treating pain caused by broken teeth. They can also save damaged teeth from requiring extraction.
- Mouth guard: Those who suffer from teeth grinding may benefit from wearing a customized mouth guard to protect the teeth from the damaging friction of teeth grinding.
Learn More about Your Treatment Options
To find out which treatments are right for your needs, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Drs. Goldin today.