Toothaches are one common reason patients visit the dentist outside of their regular check-ins. Characterized by pain originating from a tooth, or the gums and jawbone surrounding the tooth, toothaches can be a major hinderance to your day to day living. There are multiple things that may be causing your toothache, such as:

  • Periodontal (gum) disease
  • Cracked or fractured teeth
  • Exposed tooth roots or nerves
  • Untreated cavities
  • Abscessed teeth

Other potential causes include medical conditions such as ear or sinus infections or heart conditions. If you have other symptoms occurring with your toothache, such as swollen or red gums, loose teeth or increased tooth sensitivity, let our dentist and team know. We can help you get to the bottom of your pain and find the right dental solution for you. If you or a loved one is suffering from tooth pain, call Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 704-987-2277 to schedule your visit with Dr. Michael Wilhite as soon as possible.

What Is an Abscessed Tooth?

One of the common causes for a toothache that our team treated is an abscessed tooth, also known as a dental abscess. This is a tooth that has developed a bacterial infection, causing a pocket of pus to form. When this occurs at the tip of the root, it is known as a periapical abscess, and when caught early, it can often be treated with root canal therapy. A gingival abscess (occurring in the gums) or a periodontal abscess (occurring in the surrounding bone or tissue) typically begin with gum disease and may need additional antibiotic treatment.

All three varieties of dental abscess can typically be avoided with consistent dental care and healthy oral hygiene habits. Though our team always prefers to prevent dental damage before it occurs, we are also happy to help return your smile to health and function if you find yourself suffering from an abscessed tooth or other types of tooth pain.

Treating Tooth Pain

When you come to our office with tooth pain, we will begin by identifying the cause of the ache. Often, this means taking a dental X-ray to aid in your diagnosis. Once our team has identified your specific dental issue, we may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

  • Draining an abscess
  • Root canal therapy
  • Tooth extraction
  • Antibiotic or gum disease treatment
  • Removal of a foreign object

Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about your diagnosis or personalized treatment plan, and we will do everything we can to make your appointment with our team comfortable.

To learn more about toothache treatment in Davidson, North Carolina, call or stop by our office. We look forward to getting you back to a pain-free life.