When you have a toothache, you want to feel better fast. This type of pain can not only ruin your day, but it can also be a sign of a serious dental issue. While some aches may resolve on their own, most require the intervention of a dentist. Here are three common causes of toothaches and their treatments.

3 Reasons Why Your Tooth May Be Hurting

1. Tooth Decay

The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay. Tooth decay eats away at the enamel at your teeth, leaving a cavity behind. When the cavity reaches a nerve, the result is a sharp pain or extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods. It’s best to call a dentist, as early treatment to fill a cavity is best. If you ignore tooth decay for too long and the tooth becomes badly damaged, you may have to undergo a root canal.

2. Tooth Abscess

If your tooth pain is severe and you have other symptoms such as a fever, facial swelling, a foul taste in your mouth, and bad breath, you may have a tooth abscess. It’s a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form around the root. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Treatments include performing a root canal, pulling the abscessed tooth, and prescribing antibiotics.

3. Tooth Fracture

A chip or crack in your tooth can also result in a toothache. If you think you’ve damaged your tooth by biting into something hard or from a fall or injury, your dentist can assess the extent of the damage. A chipped tooth can often be repaired by bonding a tooth-colored filling to the damaged area. A cracked tooth generally requires more extensive treatment, as a dentist will cover it with a crown. If the crack is severe, treatment could include a root canal or extraction and replacement of the tooth with a dental implant.

If you have a severe toothache, reach out to the team at Lisa Tatum J DDS in Waynesboro, VA. Dr. Tatum performs minor oral surgery and provides restorative dental services, including crowns, bridges, and implants. Her dental office offers a warm and welcoming environment and tailors treatment options to meet your needs. To schedule an appointment, call (540) 943-0973 or visit her website to learn more about her services.