Toothaches usually have bad timing. They announce themselves just as we begin enjoying a summer ice cream cone or a hot mug of cocoa. Their dull ache appears the moment we set out on our dream vacation, or as soon as the dentist’s office closes for a long weekend. And although we suspect we know the reason — a cavity from too much sugar or too little flossing — toothaches can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions.
In the San Diego area, Scripps Ranch dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro is skilled at diagnosing the cause of your pain and treating it quickly, efficiently and affordably.
Fissures and Fractures
Each tooth has an internal nerve, and once infection, food, air, liquid or germs reach it, you will feel pain. Some types of oral bacteria produce acid as they feed off food residue, weakening your tooth’s protective enamel. Fractures or cracks in the surface of a tooth leave the nerve unprotected. This can happen as a result of an injury, chewing something hard, or the loosening of a filling or crown.
Gum Infection
An infection in the gums can also feel like a toothache; the pain will be especially intense if it spreads to surrounding teeth. Gingivitis is a type of gum infection that is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. When cleaning your teeth becomes a low priority, plaque builds up along the gum line and begins to eat away at roots, as well as the bone that anchors your teeth. Over many years, the teeth will become unmoored and may begin to fall out.
The Root of the Problem
As serious as gum disease is as a chronic threat to your oral health, a tooth abscess presents an immediate danger. Sharp pain will be your first clue that you need to act quickly. When the nerve inside your tooth dies, internal tissue becomes inflamed and pressure builds inside the tooth. Once the abscess has been drained and cleaned, you will need a root canal or, in serious cases, removal of the tooth and replacement with an implant or partial denture.
Unexpected Causes
Your toothache may also be produced by a poor bite, habitual clenching during the day, or grinding at night, known as bruxism. Sometimes a toothache is caused by a condition you might normally associate with the teething years: the eruption through the gums of a new tooth. For adults, this is usually a wisdom tooth that becomes impacted or begins pushing other teeth forward.
Trust experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro to quickly diagnose your toothache issue and provide effective treatment to relieve the pain and heal the underlying condition.
For immediate attention, or to discuss the causes of recurring pain, call Dr. Santoro at (858) 566-8510, or email Village Center Dentistry in Scripps Ranch today.
