Understanding Tooth Pain in Columbia, SC

Tooth pain can take many forms, but when it’s severe, it’s a nightmare. Sleep is not an option. Work is impossible. Everything comes to a halt. The only thing left to do is scramble for some form of relief. 

You might try home remedies or over-the-counter medications–anything just to make it go away. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, and there’s always a chance that the pain could come back. Then what? You can’t just keep relying on pain meds. It’s not viable, and it could result in unwanted consequences.

Tooth pain–severe or otherwise–is a warning sign. Your body is telling you that something is wrong with your head and your mouth–two very important regions.

‍But what do those warning signs mean? 

That’s the question that we, here at Soda City Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Columbia, SC, would like to answer. Read on to learn all about tooth pain, what it means, and where to find care when you need it.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

In order to understand tooth pain, we have to take a look at the underlying anatomy of the tooth. We tend to see our teeth as disposable or disconnected from our bodies, like hair and fingernails. But that’s not the case at all. The reason we don’t normally feel pain in our teeth is because of a protective layer of enamel surrounding the outer surface. Beneath that is dentin, the supporting structure of the tooth, which encases the pulp and a sensitive cluster of nerves. 

When these nerves become exposed or stimulated somehow, the body sends out a signal in the form of pain. The same can also be said for the gums and the jawbone holding our teeth in place. There are other mechanisms that can be responsible for tooth pain, but it’s usually one of these areas. 

Tooth pain has any number of causes. It could be as simple as a foreign object stuck in your gums, or it could be something more severe. Here are a few of the main causes below:

• Grinding Your Teeth: Grinding your teeth can make them sensitive or raw. It could wear away at the enamel, and it can even wriggle them loose. 
• Cavity: When cavities eat away at the enamel and reach the dentin beneath, they leave the inner portion of the tooth exposed, which can cause toothaches. 
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a serious infection, which has reached the inner portions of the tooth. It requires emergency care. It can spread to the jawbone and the gums, and in rare cases, even the heart and brain.
• Fractured Tooth: When a tooth is cracked or broken, the inner portion becomes exposed to stimuli. Pressure and extreme hot or cold temperatures can be particularly painful. 
• Periodontitis: Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection in the tissue that surrounds the tooth. Like any infection, it requires immediate care. If left untreated, it could rot out the bone that holds teeth in place, and it could spread to other parts of the body. 
• Sinus Infection: Swelling in the sinus cavity can reach the roots of the upper teeth, setting off a pain response. This is one of the main symptoms of sinus infections. 

Types of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is extraordinarily useful in the dentist’s office. It can be used to localize the patient’s condition, and depending on the type of condition a patient has, it might be used to diagnose it. Let’s go over the different types of pain patients experience and what they might mean.

1. Dull, Persistent Ache: Dull aches are the most common type of tooth pain. They’re usually a result of having something stuck in your gums or between your teeth. Try flossing and brushing to remove any potential foreign objects, and if that doesn’t work, schedule an appointment. Dull aches can also be a sign of an abscess forming or teeth grinding. It’s best to be sure what the cause is when this occurs.  
2. Sharp Stabbing: Sharp pain could be linked to a cavity or a crack in the tooth. It could also mean that there’s an issue with a crown or filling. Sometimes this pain comes on suddenly. 
3. Deep Throbbing Pain: This is one of the more difficult types of pain. It’s often a sign of a dental abscess having reached the nerve or the inner portion of the tooth. 
4. Sensitivity: Some patients experience quick bursts of pain when they eat, drink, brush, or perform other activities that irritate that region. Cold drinks for example can be especially painful. This is usually a sign that something has worn the enamel away. If the pain is caused by pressure, it may be a sign that there’s been some type of fracture. 

When to Seek Help For Tooth Pain in Columbia, SC

The body screams loudest when it’s in need of assistance. If you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain, you need to seek help for your condition. If you’re also experiencing fever or chills, you need emergency care. 

Fortunately, help is available when you need it. At Soda City Dentistry, we have a patient-centric approach, designed to ensure that you have a comfortable, seamless experience. If you have tooth pain, and you’re in need of same day walk-in dental services, contact us today at (803)-794-5430 or schedule an appointment online.