What Could Be Causing My Toothache?

woman in pain at computer

Toothaches can be scary, especially when they feel very bad. If you’re suffering from a toothache, it’s important to understand what could be causing it. Some toothaches happen because of dental emergencies, and need to be addressed as soon as possible. If you have a toothache, your dentist in Deerwood and Aitkin MN can help. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes a Toothache?

Toothaches can be caused by many problems. Some examples of the types of problems that can cause a toothache includes:

  • Cavity. A cavity is a crevice or hole that appears in the tooth enamel because of dental decay. Cavities get worse with time.
  • Infection. An infection in the tooth can cause a very bad toothache. Infections can be dangerous and require fast action to help protect patients.
  • Crack. A crack in your tooth can cause tooth sensitivity and also tooth pain, depending on how bad the crack in the tooth is and how deep it goes.

There are other things that can cause toothaches as well, including gum disease, a damaged dental restoration (like a crown) and tooth grinding.

What Should I Do If I Have a Toothache?

If you have a toothache, it’s best to check in with your dentist to find out next steps. Most likely, your dentist will have you come in to find out what’s going wrong. If the pain is severe, your dentist may ask you to come in that day, because you could be having a dental emergency. You may need a root canal.

What’s a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that dentists use to remove infection from a tooth. In the event that your tooth is infected, the dentist may dig out the infected parts of the tooth, fill the tooth with a dental filling, and then seal the entire tooth with a dental crown. Root canals are a way to save an infected tooth.

If you have a severe toothache, it’s possible that you need a root canal treatment in Deerwood and Aitkin MN, contact your dentist at River Oaks Dental. Call today for advice and an appointment.