Extreme Tooth Pain: Fast Solutions & Expert Tips

June 25, 2024

Extreme tooth pain can be one of the most debilitating and distressing experiences you can endure. Whether it’s a sharp, stabbing sensation or a constant, throbbing ache, throbbing tooth pain can disrupt daily life, making simple tasks like eating, speaking, and even sleeping nearly impossible.

However, knowing how to detect the reasons and signs behind an extreme toothache and when you should go and see your dentist can allow you to take proactive steps and safeguard your dental health.

Join us as we learn how to understand and manage extreme tooth pain and give you the knowledge to take control of your dental health.

What is Extreme Tooth Pain?

Extreme tooth pain can be described as a severe or intense discomforting sensation originating from your tooth or the surrounding structure. This pain could be a sign of tooth damage, decay, abscess, etc.

High intensity toothaches are usually caused due to infections or inflammation in your tooth pulp.

Causes of Extreme Tooth Pain

Dental Decay & Cavities

Dental decay or cavities occur when the enamel gets eroded by bacterial acids. As decay progresses, it can reach the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, leading to unbearable tooth pain. The pain may worsen with exposure to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Periodontitis affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It typically develops as a result of plaque accumulation and tartar along the gumline. In advanced stages of periodontitis, the gums may recede, exposing the tooth roots and increasing sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, leading to terrible tooth pain.

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess occurs when a pocket of pus forms in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue due to a bacterial infection. It typically develops when bacteria penetrate the tooth through a cavity, crack, or chip, reaching the pulp chamber and causing extreme tooth pain.

Tooth Fracture

A tooth fracture occurs when the tooth’s hard tissues, such as enamel or dentin, are damaged or broken. When a tooth fractures, it can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, leading to extreme tooth pain.

Damaged Filling

Dental fillings, used to repair cavities or restore a damaged tooth’s structure, can wear down over time, cracking or becoming dislodged. This can expose the underlying tooth structure, leading to unbearable tooth pain.

Loose Crown

Dental crowns, or caps, protect damaged or weakened teeth and restore their shape, size, and appearance. A loose or dislodged crown can occur due to trauma, insufficient dental bonding, or decay.

Loose or dislodged caps can expose the underlying tooth structure, leading to extreme tooth pain and making your tooth vulnerable to further damage and decay.

When to Seek Professional Help for Extreme Tooth Pain

Knowing when to seek professional help for extreme tooth pain can make the difference between losing the tooth and being able to save it.

Here are some situations in which it’s essential to seek dental assistance promptly:

Persistent or worsening pain: If you experience persistent or worsening tooth pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain medications or home remedies, it’s important to consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Pain accompanied by swelling: Swelling in the gums, face, or neck, along with high-intensity tooth pain, may indicate an infection or abscess. It’s essential to seek dental care promptly to prevent the infection from worsening.
Difficulty eating or swallowing: Severe tooth pain that interferes with your ability to eat, drink, or swallow properly may indicate a dental emergency. It’s important to see a dentist promptly to diagnose the pain and prevent further complications.
Pain following dental procedures: If you experience severe or prolonged tooth pain after a dental procedure such as a filling, crown placement, or root canal treatment, it’s essential to contact your dentist immediately.
Traumatic injury to the teeth: Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible if you sustain a traumatic injury to the teeth, such as a fracture, dislodgement, or avulsion (complete tooth loss). Prompt treatment can help save the tooth and prevent further damage or complications.
Pain accompanied by other symptoms: If extreme tooth pain is accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, it may indicate a systemic infection or other serious medical condition. In such cases, immediate medical attention must address the underlying issue and prevent complications.

Dental Procedures to Treat Extreme Tooth Pain

Dental Fillings

If dental decay or cavities are causing the tooth pain, your dentist can remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill your cavity with a dental filling material to restore its structure and function.

Root Canal Therapy

Your dentist may perform root canal therapy if your tooth pulp is infected or inflamed due to decay. The dental team will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of your tooth, and seal it for further protection.

Gum Treatment

If gum disease (periodontitis) is the reason behind your high-intensity tooth pain, the dentist may perform scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This will help smooth the tooth roots to promote gum healing and attachment.

Dental Crown

If your tooth has experienced significant damage, the dentist can place a dental crown to restore its strength, functionality, and appearance. Crowns fit over your existing tooth, providing support and protection against further damage.

Bottomline

Extreme tooth pain can be severely debilitating and could indicate a complicated underlying issue that only a dentist can diagnose.

Seek professional dental care if you are suffering from terrible tooth pain. To prevent tooth pain, follow a good oral hygiene routine and refrain from ingesting too many sugary drinks and food items.

Chevy Dental Care – Your Solution to Extreme Tooth Pain

Are you tired of suffering from extreme tooth pain?

Don’t let tooth pain disrupt your life any longer. Schedule your appointment with Chevy Chase Dental today!

FAQs

How can I prevent extreme tooth pain?

Brush and floss regularly
Visit your dentist regularly
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and promote saliva production.
Quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco products to improve your oral health and overall well-being.

Why is nothing helping my tooth pain?

If you’re experiencing tooth pain despite trying various remedies, here are several causes why your tooth pain may not be improving:

Your tooth pain could actually be an underlying dental problem.
You are employing inadequate treatment methods.
You are delaying treatment.
Your dentist has misdiagnosed your toothache.
You are experiencing complications from previous dental work, such as root canals, crowns, or fillings.