According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of adults experience some type of mouth pain every year. Many people believe that an occasional toothache is normal and of no concern. However, tooth pain is a symptom of an underlying problem that requires an emergency dentist. You should not wait for your pain to go away or you might lose your tooth. If your toothache suddenly disappears, it may be too late to save it.
What Causes a Toothache?
Tooth pain can be normal after having a dental treatment, but it should only last for a few days, at most. However, if you haven’t had any dental work, a toothache is concerning.
Often, it’s a symptom of an infection deep within the pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth. With no treatment, the infection can spread and your tooth can die. A root canal can stop the infection to preserve your tooth.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Every tooth is important for a healthy, functional smile. If your toothache goes away, your tooth may have died and will need to be removed. Losing even one tooth can negatively affect your oral health.
You’ll be at risk of cavities, gum disease, jaw pain, and even additional tooth loss. You’ll need a prosthetic to fill the gap, which can get costly over time because they need to be replaced every few years unless you invest in a dental implant. You can avoid the challenges of a lost tooth by visiting your emergency dentist right away if you have a toothache.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
A root canal can alleviate your pain and prevent you from needing tooth extraction to reduce your oral health expenses overall.
Root canal therapy involves extracting the inner layer of your tooth. After any bacteria, decay, and diseased tissues are removed, your dentist will sterilize and seal your tooth with a material called gutta-percha. They’ll probably recommend a dental crown to provide your tooth with another layer of protection. Root canal therapy has over a 95% success rate, so you don’t have to worry about losing your tooth down the road.
If you have throbbing tooth pain or discomfort when placing pressure on a tooth, contact your emergency dentist. They’ll get you into the office quickly to determine what’s causing your discomfort. They will create a personalized treatment plan to restore your dental health.
About Dr. Robert A. Whitmore
Dr. Whitmore earned his dental degree at the Baylor School of Dentistry and he continues his training regularly to provide the most up-to-date services, including root canal therapy and emergency dentistry. He is a member of Dental Health Arlington, providing pain-relieving dental services to low-income residents. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (817) 383-8833.