How to Diagnose the Real Cause?

Come to our office and let Dr. Hopkins diagnose the cause of your toothache. We utilize several methods to know the cause of the pain. But the method will depend on how you answer several questions as to the type of symptom you're having.

Does the pain get worse when eating cold or hot food? Can you still eat or does it hurt really bad when you eat? Does the pain cause you to wake up at night? These are just some of the questions that may help us narrow down the real cause of the discomfort.

Dr. Hopkins may also recommend getting dental x-rays of the affected tooth. This will help them see whether the toothache is the result of abscesses, cavities or some hidden problems.

Percussion test may also be done. It's a form of test that involves tapping on the affected tooth. This is to identify the location of the pain.

Another way to know the cause of the soreness is to do a biting pressure test. With this test, you'll need to bite a stick or a cotton tip applicator. We may also try cold air test that uses a cold air to be blown directly to the affected tooth.

From the results gathered, we can determine the exact cause of the toothache. In cases of severe nerve pain, immediate treatment must be done.

Cavities

Toothaches can also be one of the symptoms of tooth decay. It's when plaque sticks to the tooth's enamel that makes it painful for you to bite anything. The plaque can feed on sugar and starches. These elements eat away enamel causing it to weaken and form holes. It's where the decay starts to spread inward.

Bacteria

Buildup of bacteria can cause dental abscess inside your tooth's pulp chamber. The pain will be felt when the infection drains itself out of the tooth's root. The draining causes the pain and will become severe if it's not treated immediately. Good thing is that most abscesses can be seen through a dental x-ray.

Gingivitis

Soreness and nerve pain can be the result of gingivitis. It's an infection happening around the gums that surround the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause bone loss and the deterioration of the gums.

When gums are detached from the teeth, they form pockets that will be filled with more harmful organisms. As the gums become detached, tooth roots are now exposed to more plaque making them more susceptible to decay and tooth sensitivity.

Sinus Infection

There are times when you feel a pain in your teeth that isn't caused by your teeth at all. It's usually an infection in your sinuses. If your dentist thinks that this is the cause of your pain, then an antibiotic or decongestant may be prescribed.If your tooth hurts really bad, see your dentist immediately. Make an appointment today to see Michael Z. Hopkins, DDS.