North Phoenix Toothaches

Uh-oh, is that tooth that has been sensitive to cold now beginning to produce a steady ache? Don’t ignore it or it may become worse, turning into a sharp, throbbing pain.

Tooth decay is the most common cause for a toothache in North Phoenix. Other causes can range from a dental abscess, to a fractured tooth, to infected gums. Only a dentist can properly identify the cause and choose the best treatment. This will require a thorough dental exam along with x-rays. The dentist may ask about your health history and will want to know when the pain began and what sort of things makes it worse.

Whatever the cause of a toothache, it should be diagnosed and promptly treated by a North Phoenix dentist. If tooth decay is left untreated it can reach the nerve inside the tooth which will then need a root canal. When bacteria reach this deeply inside a tooth an abscess can develop. An abscessed tooth requires prompt dental treatment to prevent the spread of infection, which if left untreated can travel to the sinuses or even the brain. You may require treatment with antibiotics to stop the spread of infection along with pain relievers until the infection is under control and the tooth has been successfully treated.

Since most toothaches are caused by tooth decay, the best prevention is scrupulous oral hygiene. Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and oral examination. A dentist can identify and repair cavities early, before they result in a toothache, or deteriorate into needing a root canal or dental extraction. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments and sealants as preventative measures. Between dental visits brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss between teeth at least once each day.

Today’s dental practices are virtually painless, and many dentists in North Phoenix offer sedation for extremely fearful patients. There is no need to suffer toothache pain in North Phoenix when gentle, sympathetic treatment is available.