What Causes Dental Pain?
A look at some of the causes and solutions to painful dental problems.
When dental pain strikes, it can feel all consuming, despite it actually occurring in just a just a small area of our body. Our Burton dentist takes a look below at some of the reasons for dental pain and at some of the procedures available to treat it.
Isolated general dental pain
Otherwise known as ‘toothache’. This is generally caused by tooth decay, often through neglect or a high sugar diet. Relatively minor decay may be treated with a filling (including teeth coloured fillings). Larger areas of decay may require a dental crown to provide a long-lasting solution.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
This could; again, be caused by dental decay but may also be due to enamel erosion. This can occur through excess consumption of acid or sugary drinks or even over brushing of the teeth. Gum disease may also cause the gums to recede exposing the root of the tooth which is not protected any enamel. Exposed tooth root can be protected with dental composite in some cases, but it is also important to treat any gum disease present and our Burton hygienist will assist with this.
Where enamel is eroded to a large degree, dental veneers can be used to replace the front surface of the tooth. This will not only protect the inner dentin layer, but can also provide the patient with nicer looking teeth.
Post treatment sensitivity
It should be noted that sensitivity following procedures such as teeth whitening or dental veneers may be experienced by a small number of patients. This should not be of concern though and the teeth typically return to normal sensitivity soon afterwards.
Pain on biting
This may be caused by decay, a cracked tooth or even a loose fillings. A comprehensive dental examination will be needed to decide on the appropriate action to be taken. If a filling has become loose, it will be removed before being refilled.
General non localised pain
Whilst dental decay could be causing this type of pain, it is also possible that the root canals of a tooth may have become infected. X-rays will be necessary to determine this, and, if proved to be root canal infection, a root procedure will be needed to save the natural tooth.
Swellings of the gum or sensitivity to touch
This may well be caused by an abscess and can be very painful indeed. This should be examined by our Burton dentist as soon as possible so that prompt treatment can be administered. Naturally, we don’t like to see any of our patients in pain and will always try to see you as soon as possible so that you can receive prompt treatment. If you are suffering with dental pain, please call Mike Allen’s Dental Practice as soon as possible on 01283 845345 and we will do our very best to help you.