Living with a Toothache?
The pain in your tooth begins slowly. A dull ache that may come and go over the next several weeks or months. Then sharp zings of pain if you eat or drink anything too hot or cold. Eventually, the pain becomes prominent enough to not ignore and you begin to suspect you might have a cavity. It’s important not to delay a visit to the dentist if you have a toothache. Tooth decay can occur at any time (unfortunately, even if you brush and floss) and, in addition to causing pain, can lead to infection and even tooth loss if not properly treated. When cavities are caught early, our dentist can treat your toothache with a simple dental filling in Albuquerque, NM.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
You brush and floss your teeth every day, and yet you have a persistent toothache, the most common sign of tooth decay. So, what causes cavities to form on and around teeth? Tooth decay begins when bacterial plaque, often from sticky, sugary foods, hardens onto the surface of your teeth. The acid begins to break down the enamel of your tooth and if left to progress, will create a tiny hole, or cavity. This decay can be on the surface of teeth, between teeth, and along the gumline of teeth. As the decay and cavity spread, they cause the dull toothache you may feel continuously or intermittently. Eventually, tooth decay can become so widespread that it can lead to an infection, abscess, or other issues requiring a root canal or even a tooth extraction! You can avoid these more serious problems by visiting our dentist for a dental filling the moment you feel tooth pain.
Common Signs of Cavities
- Persistent toothache or tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Dark spots or visible holes on your tooth
- Pain when biting and chewing food
The Basics of Cavity Treatment
Dental fillings for cavities are one of the most common treatments our dentist offers, so you can feel confident knowing that they have the experience and tools to effectively resolve your toothache. At your appointment, you’ll first receive x-rays so our dentist can pinpoint the location and size of the cavity. Next, your teeth and gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure though you may feel sight pressure. To rid your tooth of a cavity and resolve your tooth pain, our dentist will use a dental drill to remove the infected portion of your tooth. Then this space will be replaced with a dental filling. Depending on your preferences and budget, this filling can be made from amalgam, metals, ceramic, or composite, which is tooth-colored and many patients’ ideal choice. Your tooth treated with a dental filling should last for many years and can be cared for just like your natural teeth!
