What a General Dentist Does for a Toothache

General Dentist New York, NY

A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache.

A thorough dental exam

Each toothache is different. That is why the general dentist will treat each one based on its main cause. Some aches result from minor irritation. Others involve nerve issues.

The dentist will first do a physical dental exam to assess the tooth. Ordering dental X-rays will help determine if there are any hidden causes to consider. Asking the patient about any current medical condition or medication can help form a diagnosis. Only then will the general dentist begin the treatment.

Dental filling

The general dentist will drill away the decayed tooth if there is already some cavity formation. Placing dental fillings in the holes will follow. A curing light will harden the fillings and keep them in place. Shaping and polishing the fillings will follow. This will ensure a comfortable bite. It will also help the fillings blend well with the dental structure.

Fluoride treatment

Holes or cavities develop when tooth decay worsens. Trapped food particles in the holes cause pain. Fluoride treatment from a general dentist can reverse the damage that results from tooth decay in its early stages. This natural element can repair the enamel. It can even protect the teeth by making them more cavity-resistant.

Tooth extraction

Severe tooth decay or damage can reach the deepest parts of the tooth. The general dentist will assess the tooth if the damage or infection has gone beyond the gumline. Repairs may not be enough anymore. Removing the tooth will help stop the spread of infection and the pain. Discussing possible tooth replacement types can help the patient decide which one will suit the individual the most.

Root canal

The goal of this treatment is to keep the dental structure intact. Removing the infected or damaged pulp will follow after making an opening in the tooth. Cleaning, disinfecting, and drying the pulp chamber will come next. The general dentist will fill the chamber with gutta-percha, which will stabilize the tooth. Placing a custom dental crown over the treated tooth will protect and strengthen it.

Preventing a toothache

This condition can happen to anyone at any given time. Dental damage causes pain, which differs in severity. Stopping the pain is a priority. Dismissing it will allow the damage to worsen. The ideal way to prevent dental damage is to care for one’s teeth. Below are some tips on how to keep toothaches at bay:

  • Drink more water to buffer the bacterial acids in the mouth. Take in non-acidic foods as well.
  • Floss every day to get rid of the plaque and food particles between teeth.
  • Seeing the dentist every six months will enable the patient to get professional dental cleaning. The general dentist will floss, scale, and brush using more advanced tools.
  • Brushing for two minutes, two times a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, can remove food particles and plaque.
  • Limit one’s sugar intake. This will prevent bacteria from feasting and releasing acids that destroy the enamel.
  • Reduce one’s intake of acidic drinks and foods. Acidic foods can erode the enamel.

Providing pain relief

The general dentist can prescribe analgesics that can reduce pain. Many formulations can target different levels of tooth pain. Opioid analgesics need a prescription to treat moderate to severe pain. Non-opioid analgesics can treat moderate tooth pain even without a prescription. The difference is that non-opioid pain relievers are not addictive.

Causes of toothaches

Each tooth contains a dental pulp that holds blood vessels and nerves, as well as connective tissues. Pressure and pain can begin when there is irritation in the pulp. The general dentist will determine the main cause of the tooth pain. Below are the common culprits:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding
  • Gum disease
  • Dental fracture
  • Tooth pulp inflammation
  • Impacted tooth
  • Abscess

Seeing a general dentist

A toothache causes intense discomfort. An individual can lose focus. The pain can even deprive the individual of proper rest. However, a toothache may be a symptom of a much more serious dental condition, such as an infection. This can manifest through gum inflammation, earache, and fever. This is the right time to see the general dentist.

Your general dentist can help get rid of a toothache with the right treatment

Dental pain can cause your entire body to feel bad. That is why resolving it is vital. The treatment for your toothache will depend on its cause. Working with your general dentist will allow you to achieve relief and better dental health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in New York, NY.

Recent Posts

A General Dentist Shares Daily Tips To Prevent Bad Breath

A general dentist shared some ways to help prevent bad breath. This is a topic no one wants to discuss. Bad breath happens to everyone at one point or another. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid having bad breath. We should openly talk about this taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the…

What A General Dentist Does To Promote Gum Health

There are many ways that a general dentist can promote gum health. Your gums play an important role in supporting your teeth and providing a barrier against harmful bacteria, so it is critical that they remain healthy and strong. Keeping your gums healthy can also help prevent tooth loss and decrease heart attack risk. The…

How Dental Bonding Is Used In General Dentistry

When it comes to general dentistry, you do not want to miss out on checkups and treatments. Your oral health is important, and the dentist plays a key role in your wellness. Avoiding the dentist can lead to severe problems, not only with your teeth and gums but with your overall well-being. The dentist will…

What To Expect During A Dental X-Ray

Dental x-rays help with the diagnosis or monitoring of the teeth and the structures that support them. This makes dental x-rays a routine procedure that should happen once a year, give or take. If x-rays are such an important part of dental care, it makes sense to learn about them. Finding out how they work…

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures For The First Time

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures For The First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting dentures is an exciting step, it is normal to be intimidated by the adjustment period. This article will dive into what patients can expect when getting dentures for the first time.It may take up to one month to fully adjust…

The Importance Of Regular Check Ups For Denture Wearers

The Importance Of Regular Check-Ups For Denture Wearers

Regular check-up visits are ideal for denture wearers to protect their smile and help ensure a comfortable fit for their dentures at all times. In this review, we discuss why it is imperative for patients with dentures to visit their dentist regularly.There are many things that a patient can do at home to protect their…

New York Dental Office