Is your jaw swollen? Does your tooth hurt when you drink a beverage that is very hot or cold? Can your tooth tolerate the pressures of biting or chewing? If you have these symptoms of a toothache in Tomball, don’t wait. Contact James Greer DDS. He can restore your tooth to full function and recommend ways for you to prevent future dental pain.
Causes for a Toothache
Whether dull or severe, a toothache nothing to joke about. It often occurs because of deep dental decay aggravating the nerves in the interior pulp of the tooth. A dental abscess, an infection of that same tooth pulp, also causes toothache pain as can oral injury (hairline cracks, chips or complete fractures) or very thin enamel. Exposed tooth roots from recessed gum tissue lead to extreme dental sensitivity.
If you experience a toothache, be sure to call Dr. Greer at his office right away. You’ll be given advice to stabilize your condition, and if necessary, the office team will book a same-day appointment. In the meantime, you can take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve your discomfort, and putting a cold compress on an aching jaw relieves associated swelling (apply it 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off).
Treating Your Toothache
To investigate the source of your oral discomfort, Dr. Greer will perform a complete oral exam, looking at the tooth and surrounding tissue and taking digital X-rays. Depending on his findings, he may advise:
- A tooth-colored filling to treat a cavity
- An all-ceramic restoration such as a full dental crown or inlay/onlay (partial crown)
- Root canal therapy (endodontics) to remove infected tooth pulp and protect remaining healthy tooth structure with a filling or crown
- Composite resin bonding to fill minor cracks, chips, and other flaws
- Tooth extraction (always a last resort)
Preventing Toothaches
Prevent toothaches with daily oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth twice a day with cavity-fighting fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush. Floss between and around each tooth to remove plaque and prevent the formation of hard tartar, both of which lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth and a sports guard if you (or your child) are involved in athletics. Of course, Dr. Geer recommends twice yearly oral exams and professional cleanings to support your low-sugar healthy eating and daily dental care. These visits with your dentist and his dedicated team prevent problems such as toothaches, or when a dental issue is developing, they catch it early before it causes substantial damage (and toothache pain).
Feel Free to Call
If you have a toothache or other pressing dental concern, please contact Dr. James Geer right away. He wants your smile to feel it’s very best so you keep smiling!