A tooth seems very small, until it starts hurting. When you have a toothache, the insistent pain and throbbing can overshadow anything you are trying to think or do. If the pain is this bad, you need to see a dentist, and fast. That is why Dr. Dietrich offers emergency service at Pleasant Dental in Dolton.
- Decay – A deep cavity can expose the nerve, causing pain or tooth sensitivity. It can also allow bacteria to access the dental pulp, resulting in infection.
- Abscess – An abscess is a pocket of infection that forms near a tooth, usually just below the root. It can cause aching, throbbing, sensitivity, the feeling of pressure, and sharp pains.
- Gum disease – Though not a direct cause of tooth pain, gum disease invites decay, abscesses, and other conditions that do cause toothaches.
- Broken tooth – Any damage from a fine fracture to a severe break, in tooth material or a filling, can lead to pain for several reasons. Depending on the extent of the damage, the nerve may be exposed, irritated, or injured and infection can set in.
- Malocclusion – Crooked, crowded teeth or poor bite alignment causes a few teeth to take the brunt of the wear and tear of daily use. Even if there is no visible sign of damage, teeth may become painful or sensitive because of strain or worn enamel exposing sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
- Wisdom teeth – Sometimes wisdom teeth come in with no problem at all. Other times, there is not enough room in your mouth, so the tooth ends up crowding the nerve, bone, or other teeth, and causing pain. If this happens, the wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
If you notice early signs of these problems, please come visit Dr. Dietrich for treatment before you have to endure the misery of a severe toothache. However, if it catches you by surprise, we are here to get you out of pain and back to the business of smiling. Just call Pleasant Dental in Dolton at 708-576-1900. Don’t forget to put our number in your cell phone, in case of emergency.