Dental pain is a symptom that most people have experienced at some point in their lives. In this article, we will try to explain the causes and symptoms of toothache , as well as outline some methods for relief at home . In addition, we will mention some treatments that correspond to each type of symptom .
Caution:
This article does not provide the knowledge necessary to make a diagnosis.
It is not intended to provide advice on how to treat your pain.
It does not replace the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan you will receive from your dentist after the clinical examination .
Pain in the oral region can be of dental or non-dental origin. Some dental causes of pain are the following:
Caries
Gum recession
Pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp)
Broken tooth
Abscess
Crack or fracture
Wounding
Gingivitis
Traumatic closure
Recent dental work
Problem with an old seal on the case
Reflex pain from another area.
Pain of non-dental etiology can originate from:
Temporomandibular structure problem
Buttocks
Neuralgia
Stomatitis
Psychosomatic causes
Types of pain and common symptoms
Dental pain can take many forms and intensities, and understanding it can make it easier for the dentist to diagnose it.
Types of pain
Simple tenderness to intense sharp pain
Localized (on a specific tooth) or diffuse
Continuous or paroxysmal ("comes and goes")
Triggered by stimulus or automatic (starts on its own)
Deep or sharp and unbearable
Tips for describing your pain :
Before your appointment with the dentist, it is a good idea to carefully observe:
* The intensity and type of pain
* Its duration
* What causes him
* What relieves you
* When did it first start?
The detailed description of the general symptomatology, combined with the clinical and radiographic examination by the dentist, will determine the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Common symptoms and possible treatment of a toothache
Intense tenderness or pain in one area:
Possible causes: Usually due to exposure of the tooth's dentin or bone to the stimuli that usually result
erosion of tooth enamel
receding gums due to periodontitis
presence of caries
wear of a seal or case
It can also be a parodic reaction after recent dental work.
Treatment: It is not unlikely that the sensitivity will subside with the use of some toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If sensitivity persists, the dentist may need to treat depending on the cause of the problem. Treatment could be a simple application of a desensitizing agent or the placement of an occlusion (seal) or new prosthetic restoration (case / bridge). Much less often, endodontic treatment (denervation) will need to be performed.
Pain in the soft tissues (gums) automatic or on pressure:
Possible causes:
Wounding
Canker sores, lichen planus or other oral disease
Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis, periodontitis)
Other gum disease (ulcer-necrotic stomatitis)
Periodontal or periapical abscess
But reasons
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause. In the case of dental diseases, a co-evaluation by a dentist may be necessary. In periodontal inflammations and abscesses, periodontal treatment is recommended and it is possible that additional medication may be needed. In the case of abscesses caused by the inside of the tooth, a solution is given by carrying out endodontic treatment (denervation). Where teeth have a poor prognosis, they may need to be removed.
Pain in a specific tooth when chewing :
Possible causes and treatment :
Tooth necrosis and apical periodontitis (inflammation at the tip of the tooth root). The treatment in this case is endodontic treatment or extraction of the tooth.
Apical periodontitis due to failure of some previous endodontic treatment. The treatment in this case is re-intervention and repetition of endodontic treatment, apicorhizectomy or extraction of the tooth.
Occlusal trauma (when we do not bite properly on a tooth). The most likely treatment is simple correction of the occlusion.
Periodontitis/ periodontal abscess. Periodontal treatment is probably the first solution.
Fracture. In the case of longitudinal fracture or molar-root fracture, we proceed with extraction of the tooth.
Cracked tooth syndrome. For cracked tooth syndrome, read our corresponding article. Cracked tooth syndrome
Existence of a broken part of a tooth or an occlusion that moves during chewing and causes pain. Here the most common and most likely treatment is a blockage (sealing).
Severe radiating pain over an entire area
Possible causes and treatment :
Deep caries (new or under an old restoration) that has caused pulpitis (inflammation inside the tooth). In this case, the most likely treatment to keep a permanent tooth in the mouth is endodontic treatment (denervation).
Recent dental work (filling/case/bridge) that resulted in pulpitis. And in this case, the most likely treatment to keep a permanent tooth in the mouth is endodontic treatment (denervation).
Sinus pain radiating to posterior upper teeth. The solution will probably be given by an otolaryngologist.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain radiating to the back teeth. Read more in the article below. GCD disorders
Trigeminal neuralgia. Co-evaluation by a neurologist and medication.
Psychosomatic causes. Coping with the help of a psychologist.
Burning sensation and pain in the gums:
Possible causes:
Stomatitis
Herpes
Lichen
Allergic reaction to a substance
Treatment:
Local treatment with drugs
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Allergy treatment
Pain management at home:
Use hot or cold. A warm compress can relieve muscle pain and swelling while a cold compress can reduce pain and inflammation.
Get over-the-counter pain relievers. Paracetamol and ibuprofen (belongs to NSAIDs) can help relieve pain. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Use a saline solution. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce pain and inflammation in the gums.
Avoid hard foods and hot or cold drinks.
Choose soft, cool foods that won't irritate your mouth.
Get some rest. Pain can wear you down. Get plenty of rest and avoid activities that make the pain worse.
Many times the pain worsens when lying down. In this case, prefer to avoid this position.
Avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, soda and other substances that can cause damage to soft tissues.
Contact your dentist soon.
Caution:
If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing, see your dentist immediately.
Note:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a dental examination. It is always recommended to consult your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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