Are you ready to explore the harsh reality of a severe toothache? Brace yourself, because this dental experience can be extremely painful.
What Is a Toothache?
Imagine a throbbing pain pounding through your jaw and making you wince. Welcome to the world of toothaches, an experience you will remember for a long time.
A toothache usually occurs when the dental pulp, the living part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected. The presence of bacteria and inflammation causes the nerve inside the pulp to send strong pain signals to the brain. This is what creates the unmistakable symptoms of this type of dental pain.
Recognizing the Symptoms
How do you know if you are dealing with a toothache? Watch for these signs: sharp and constant pain, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling in the cheek, difficulty chewing and even persistent headaches. If you notice these symptoms, it is time to act and contact your dentist for an emergency appointment.
Causes of a Toothache
Here are the most common causes of this painful condition:
Deep Cavity
An untreated cavity can spread deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp and causing painful inflammation.
Tooth Fracture
A broken or cracked tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria and external irritants, resulting in a toothache.
Damaged Filling
If a filling deteriorates, bacteria can enter underneath and cause a pulp infection.
Root Canal Treatment: Your Best Ally
If you are dealing with a painful dental infection, do not panic. A root canal treatment can save your tooth. This procedure, performed by your dentists on Plateau Mont-Royal, involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp. The tooth is then cleaned, disinfected and sealed to prevent the infection from returning.
The Danger of Ignoring a Toothache
The most common mistake is hoping the pain will simply disappear. This can be misleading. The pain may fade temporarily, but if the underlying cause is not treated, it will return even more intensely. Leaving a toothache untreated allows the infection to progress and may lead to an abscess at the tip of the root of the affected tooth. An abscess is a very serious infection that must be treated quickly. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and even vital organs.
Ignoring the problem also increases the risk of dental necrosis, which occurs when the infected pulp dies.
Dental Emergency on Plateau Mont-Royal
Now that you understand toothaches better, remember that it is essential to act quickly if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article. Do not let the pain take over. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for a consultation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving your tooth and preserving the integrity of your smile.