Making steps towards achieving a brighter, healthier smile can be transformative, not just for your oral health, but for your overall confidence and quality of life. Dental implants are one way you can and restore not only the appearance of your smile but its functionality as well. Patients interested in this option can speak one-on-one with our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dental implant dentist.
Experiencing a toothache can be not only painful but also extremely stressful, especially when it strikes suddenly and severely. Understanding what may be responsible for your discomfort is the first step towards finding relief. At Higgins & White Dentistry, our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, emergency dentist is here to deliver swift, compassionate care with our same-day dental emergency services.
Here are 4 and how immediate professional care can make a difference.
But First, What Qualifies as a Toothache?
A toothache is any pain or discomfort originating within or around a tooth, signaling an underlying issue that requires attention. The nature of this pain can vary widely; it may be sharp and piercing when biting down, a constant throbbing soreness, or an intermittent discomfort that seems to come and go without obvious cause.
Some toothaches may even be accompanied by swelling, headache, fever, or a foul taste in the mouth, indicating infection. The severity can range from mild to excruciating, affecting not only your oral health but your overall well-being. Taking note of both the type of pain and how long it exists is important.
Short-lived sensitivity to hot or cold foods might not warrant immediate concern, but persistent or —lasting more than a day or two—should prompt a visit to one of our offices to prevent more serious complications from developing. Above all else, we want to avoid tooth extraction and save all of your natural teeth if possible.
Cause #1: Cavities and Decay
Dental cavities are among the leading . These small holes in your teeth are the result of enamel erosion caused by acid-producing bacteria in plaque. Initially, cavities may not cause any symptoms, but as they grow and affect deeper layers of the tooth, they can lead to significant pain. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications which we can accomplish if you come to see us as soon as you’re able.
Cause #2: Gum Disease
Gum disease, starting as gingivitis and potentially advancing to irreversible periodontitis, is another common culprit behind toothaches. Symptoms include swollen, red, and bleeding gums. When the disease progresses, it can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and the bones that support teeth, causing severe pain. Our team is equipped to offer various gum disease treatments, helping to alleviate pain and address the infection swiftly.
Cause #3: Tooth Abscess
An abscessed tooth, which is an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth, can cause intense, throbbing pain. This condition is not only painful but can also lead to serious health complications if the infection spreads beyond your mouth. Immediate treatment by our dentist is necessary to drain the abscess and treat the infection, typically with an emergency root canal.
Cause #4: Damaged Fillings or Dental Work
Dental fillings and other similar restorations are designed to protect vulnerable parts of the tooth. However, when these protections are damaged or fall out, it can lead to severe pain due to exposed nerves. Moreover, the risk of infection and further complications increases. Our dentist can quickly address these issues, often on the same day, to restore your comfort and health.
Get the Urgent Care You Need
Severe toothaches can disrupt your life, but understanding why they’re occurring is the first step towards prevention and early treatment. Our emergency dentist in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, is committed to providing immediate, effective care for all dental emergencies, including prolonged toothaches. If you’re experiencing dental discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations to request an appointment ASAP.