When the discomfort of a toothache sets in, it may be hard to think straight. Educating yourself in advance can be the difference between acting swiftly and calmly, or panicking. Read today’s blog from Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, to learn more about some of facts and fiction regarding toothaches.
Toothache Facts and Fiction
FACT:…
When the discomfort of a toothache sets in, it may be hard to think straight. Educating yourself in advance can be the difference between acting swiftly and calmly, or panicking. Read today’s blog from Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, to learn more about some of facts and fiction regarding toothaches.
Toothache Facts and Fiction
FACT: Toothaches can often be attributed to cavities.
Many people attribute a toothache to cavities. Since decay is the number-one cause of toothache pain, this is a natural conclusion. Keeping up with your six month checkups will ensure that tooth decay never happens. If cavities should occur, your preventive care will ensure that are caught before they are bad enough to cause substantial discomfort.
FICTION: Tooth abscesses always have to be extracted.
This is not necessarily so. When pus accumulates deep in the teeth, jaw, and/or gums, the infection can exert pressure against the tooth root, causing a severe toothache. Hopefully, this can be dealt with via antibiotics, though extraction is sometimes the only option.
FACT: Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause teeth fractures.
Grinding your teeth naturally wears away the protective outer layer of your teeth known as tooth enamel. Damaged enamel allows underlying dentin to become more sensitive and vulnerable to fractures and chips.
FICTION: Fractured teeth cannot be treated and are general harmless.
Fractures need to be evaluated by your Knoxville dentist. If they do not go beyond the surface of enamel, the best course might be simply for your dentist to keep an eye on the crack at your regular checkups. However, a deep enough fracture can allow bacteria to infiltrate a tooth causing infection, swelling in the tooth’s pulp, and thus, toothache pain.
FICTION: Impacted wisdom teeth are normal and rarely require treatment.
If your wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly, they may continue to grow at an odd angle, placing pressure on the surrounding teeth. Pain and swelling, and sometimes infection, often occur as a result.
Help for Toothaches from Knoxville Dentist
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will give you a greater chance of avoiding a nagging toothache that could be indicative of a serious dental health issue. Visit your Knoxville dentist every six months. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our 37919 dentist office, you can call 865-584-8630. We welcome patients from Knoxville and the greater metropolitan area.
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