Toothache Pain Relief: Causes and Treatments for Tooth Pain

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you probably want to know how to alleviate it. Unless you have unbearable pain, infection or other serious dental problems, it is unlikely to be a dental emergency, so there shouldn’t be any need to visit an emergency dentist.

Over-the-counter medicine should provide short-term toothache relief before you see a dentist to determine the cause of your discomfort.

Tooth Pain Causes and Treatments

Many things, including tooth decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or an abscess, can cause a toothache. Sometimes, it may also be caused by something else, such as sinusitis or an ear infection.

One thing is sure: if you have a toothache, it is unlikely to disappear without treatment. So, don’t delay seeing your Leichhardt dentist as soon as possible.

Knowing the cause and what will treat it can prevent it from progressing and becoming a dental emergency. Some of the most typical causes of tooth pain include:

#1. Tooth Decay

The build-up of dental plaque causes tooth decay. Plaque is a bacterial deposit formed as a sticky film on teeth. It produces tooth-eroding acids that cause holes or cavities to develop. If dental decay is not treated, tooth pain, infection, and more serious issues such as tooth loss can occur. Treatments include:

• Fillings

It is a dental restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or injury. Dental fillings are made of gold, silver, or composite resins, which match your teeth’ colour.

• Root canals

These are standard dental procedures used to treat tooth infection or inflammation. The process includes eliminating the internal tissues of the tooth that are infected or damaged and sealing them to prevent further infection. A root canal procedure saves a tooth from extraction and relieves a toothache by removing the infected pulp.

#2. Dental Abscess

When the nerve in a tooth is affected or diseased, a small area of pus near the tooth’s roots will form—this is referred to as an abscess, which leads to tooth pain. An abscess can occur when tooth decay is not treated correctly, and the bacteria from the decay spread to the nerve.

Gum disease can also be a factor, as can an injury to the tooth. If the infection isn’t treated, it can become a dental emergency if it spreads to the jawbone and other nearby tissues. Treatments include:

• Drainage: The dentist may drain the abscess to remove the pus and ease the pressure.
• Antibiotics: If the infection has spread, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear it.

While these options may relieve toothache pain, they do not address the underlying causes of the problem.

• Further Treatment: To resolve the issue in the long term, the affected tooth may need a root canal or, in some cases, extraction. These procedures stop the spread of infection and provide necessary toothache pain relief.

#3. Cracked or Damaged Tooth

A cracked or damaged tooth may be a dental emergency, depending on how bad the crack or damage is. If the crack is small and does not extend to the tooth’s root, you may not need to see a dentist immediately.

However, if the crack is large or extends to the tooth’s root, you should see an emergency dentist immediately. Emergency treatment is carried out to prevent further damage and relieve toothache pain.

You may receive an appointment for other treatment after you visit the emergency dentist. Treatments may include:

• Dental Crowns: A crown can cover the cracked tooth for moderate damage, protecting it from further harm and relieving pain.
• Root Canal: It may be needed if the crack runs into pulp.
• Tooth Extraction: In cases where the damage is too extensive to repair, tooth removal may be necessary to relieve toothache pain.

#4. Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease begins with plaque build-up along the gumline. In its early stage, gingivitis can cause red, swollen gums that may bleed. If treatment is not received, it may progress to periodontitis, in which the gums detach from the teeth and create infected pockets.

Symptoms May Include:

• Sore or bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Tooth sensitivity or pain

Treatment Options:

• Deep Cleaning: Scaling and root planing clean the plaque and tartar off the roots beneath the gums.
• Antibiotic Therapy: Local or oral antibiotics may be used to control infection.
• Ongoing Care: Good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups are crucial to stopping toothache recurrence and easing toothache discomfort.

#5. Non-Dental Causes

Sometimes, tooth pain isn’t caused by dental issues at all. Conditions like sinus infections, ear infections, or nerve disorders can mimic a toothache. If a dental examination doesn’t reveal the source of pain, your dentist may refer you to a doctor for further evaluation.

Finding Toothache Pain Relief That Lasts

While temporary measures like over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, or saltwater rinses can help reduce discomfort, they aren’t long-term solutions. Effective toothache pain relief requires identifying and treating the pain’s root cause.

It’s essential to avoid waiting too long. What starts as mild discomfort can quickly become a more serious problem if left untreated. Even if the pain subsides, the underlying issue may still be progressing.

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care

While not every toothache is an emergency, certain symptoms should prompt you to see a dentist immediately. These include:

• Severe, unrelenting pain
• Swelling in the face or jaw
• Fever and general unwellness
• A cracked or knocked-out tooth
• Pus discharge or a bad smell from the mouth

Getting prompt care can prevent complications and help you get the toothache pain relief you need.

Toothache Treatment in Leichhardt

Toothaches rarely resolve on their own. Whether your pain is mild or severe, the best thing to do is visit your Leichhardt dentist, who will diagnose the problem and advise on the appropriate treatment.

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, contact our friendly team at My Local Dentists to book an appointment. We’ll help you find effective toothache pain relief and restore your comfort quickly.

Call (02) 9171 0840 or visit us at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.