An aching tooth or chronic discomfort in your mouth, especially with Chicago’s famed deep-dish pizza calling your name, should be your first sign that you need to see your dentist. Persistent discomfort in our smile may indicate the presence of a cavity or a dental infection.
The American Dental Association recommended that anybody experiencing a severe toothache see a dentist right away. Dentists frequently keep time slots open for emergency patients, so you may be able to schedule a same-day appointment.
Continue reading to find out the signs to look for in the event of a severe toothache, as well as when you should wait before calling for an emergency consultation. You can speak to a dentist in Downtown Chicago for more information.
What your toothache may be telling you.
When you feel sensitivity or a dull ache in your mouth, consider it a warning sign. This sensitivity can be caused by sinus or allergy disorders, as well as unexpected elevation changes; however, these circumstances should only cause transitory pain that lasts a few hours. If you have pain from a cavity or an infection, it will remain longer than 48 hours and intensify with time.
Poor dental hygiene, a high-sugar diet, and infrequent flossing and brushing can allow plaque to cover the teeth, erode the tooth enamel, and cause cavities to develop. Cavities can then expand throughout the tooth, eventually reaching the inner pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerve core. When tooth decay reaches this level, infection sets in, and you will need a root canal to treat it.
When you should see a dentist.
Dental pain can vary from slight discomfort to severe pain or throbbing that interferes with regular activities. Toothaches should never be neglected, even if they appear tolerable at first. Ignoring dental discomfort and waiting for it to become an emergency might lead to significant repercussions.
If you are having dental discomfort, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches are frequently the result of an underlying dental problem, such as tooth decay, abscess, infection, or gum disease. By obtaining immediate dental care, your dentist can detect and treat the condition before it worsens.
What will your dentist do when you visit for a toothache?
Your dental professional will first take your medical history and do a physical examination. They will ask you for details about the pain, such as when it started, how severe it is, where it is located, and what causes it to intensify and better. Your dentist will check your teeth, mouth, gums, tongue, jaws, throat, sinuses, nose, ears, and neck. X-rays and other tests may be performed based on what your dentist believes is causing your toothache. If you have a toothache, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.