Just because you have a toothache, that does not mean that you simply have to accept it. A dentist will be able to examine you and talk through the different reasons why your teeth could be hurting, and that way be able to assess what can be done to prevent the pain. Potential culprits include gum disease, wisdom teeth, a cracked tooth, or something in your jaw. Although a toothache will normally present as constant pain, there is also sometimes swelling of the face, gums, and tooth, increased body temperature as its fighting an infection, and saliva that tastes bad for no known reason.
If the pain is so bad that you have to go to an emergency room, then it is time to call an emergency dentist. Over the counter medication simply isn’t enough, but it can be helpful while you wait for your appointment. Cavities are usually the reason for a toothache, but grinding and repetitive motions also can cause discomfort. Only a visit to the dentist will give you the help and support that you need to get rid of the toothache. Sometimes this is through a filling, or in other cases a root canal will be required. In extreme cases, the tooth cannot be saved and it will have to be removed to get rid of the pain.
If there is an infection, antibiotics will probably be prescribed to help your body fight it off, and an x-ray may be performed in order to see exactly what is causing the pain. Other tests may be ordered as necessary, so your dentist can be absolutely sure they know what to do. Although your dentist will be able to help you remove the pain, and treat the underlying cause, there is no way to permanently prevent toothache from ever coming back.
