Common Reasons for Tooth Pain

Toothaches can cause serious pain. Unfortunately, there could be several reasons for tooth pain. To ensure that you get back to smiling, Dr. Kim, one of the best dentist in Lexington, KY, explores some of the leading causes of tooth pain. Make sure to call Park Hills Family Dentistry for emergency dental care. 

Tooth Decay 

The number one reason for tooth pain is tooth decay. When you experience tooth pain within the tooth and surrounding areas, it’s likely that the inner layer has been damaged—ultimately leading to tooth pain, sensitivity, and cavities. “Tooth decay can be detrimental to a patient’s oral health,” says Dr. Kim. If the sensation changes from an ache to sharp pain, the decay may have reached the center of the tooth. This causes excruciating agony, making it impossible to go about one’s normal activities. These problems must be addressed as soon as possible. Otherwise, more serious dental problems will occur. 

Misaligned Teeth

Braces, retainers, and other dental alignment devices are typical reasons for tooth pain. Pain is commonly felt immediately after adjustments that tighten or shift teeth, although it normally goes away after a few days. If the pain is still excruciating and persistent, talk to your dentist in Lexington, KY.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Misaligned teeth can press against others, pulling them out of alignment and causing aches and pains. As you may know, impacted wisdom teeth, also known as wisdom teeth, can be exceedingly painful because they fester below the gum line and occasionally push against adjacent teeth. If these issues have not previously been addressed, they should be brought to the attention of your Lexington, KY dentist. For misaligned teeth, an orthodontic remedy, such as braces, will most likely be recommended. A tooth extraction is necessary for an impacted wisdom tooth. 

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common cause of tooth, jaw, neck, and related muscle pain. People who grind their teeth usually do so while sleeping or under stressful conditions. Excessive teeth grinding entails clenching the jaw rapidly and grinding the top and bottom teeth back and forth against each other.

This can cause aching jaw bones and joints, headaches, and even fractured or chipped teeth, which are all quite uncomfortable. The most effective way to treat Bruxism or TMJ is to have a personalized mouthguard constructed that is worn while sleeping to ease tension on the teeth and jaw.

Damaged Fillings 

Dental fillings that cover deep pits, valleys, or cracks in teeth typically safeguard the tooth’s vulnerable areas. When these shields are compromised, the sensitive regions of the teeth are exposed to high temperatures, food particles, and microorganisms. This can cause pain ranging from a subtle aching to a strong, piercing sensation. If you have a broken filling or sealant, make an appointment with your dentist right once to get it repaired before the vulnerable regions of your tooth suffer further damage or decay.

Tooth Fractures

Teeth can be cracked or chipped in a variety of situations, including a fall, sports, or biting down on something hard or sticky. If you have pain in a fractured tooth, it implies that the fracture has reached the nerve endings in the center of the tooth, which can cause terrible pain. This may not occur immediately when the tooth is chipped or broken, but it may develop over time as the tooth damage worsens. As a result, all fractures and chips should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible and before they deteriorate. If you believe you have fractured your tooth, contact an emergency dentist in Lexington, KY.

Periodontitis 

Gum disease is distinguished by a dull pain in the mouth, red, bleeding gums, and, in certain cases, tooth pain. Inflammation of the oral bone and gums is a common cause of this. If left untreated, teeth, gums, and bones may be damaged or lost, and surgical measures may be required to clear the infection from the mouth.

Tooth Abscess 

When tooth decay progresses to the root beneath the visible tooth, there is a good possibility that the root and surrounding tissue have become infected. This will cause extensive throbbing pain, making it difficult to distinguish which tooth is causing the discomfort. This is a very dangerous problem that must be addressed professionally as soon as possible since it can lead to bone and tissue loss. That, obviously, is not a good time.

Contact Dentist in Lexington KY

As you can see, there are several reasons for tooth pain. If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, please contact our dental office in Lexington, KY, for an evaluation. Additionally, Dr. Kim or Dr. Oberst will see what’s going on and determine the best solution. Contact Park Hills Family Dentistry today!